New oral health coalition aims to increase screenings

The local dental community has established an Oral Health Care Coalition in order to imrpove the dental health in children.

Children in area schools and licensed daycare settings will receive dental screening by local dentists and dental hygienists.

During the 2004-2005 school year, 1632 children received dental screenings. The coalition expects a 25 percent increase in that number during the 2005-2006 school year.

The coalition is the result of the community assessment performed by the United Way and Community Caring Council, which identified access to medical care as one of the top four critical issues in the community. Three coalitions were established to manage medical access issues: a mental health coalition, a primary care coalition, and an oral health coalition, each with a plan that outlines objectives, strategies, action steps and desired outcomes.

The need for all children in the area to have access to periodic dental screenings throughout childhood was identified by the oral health coalition. Dentists and dental hygienists are providing screenings at preschools and elementary schools in October and November.

Two other strategies of the coalition include promoting the increased number of dental sealant applications applied to molars to prevent decay among school age children and help to families without regular access to dental treatment for their children.

The Oral Health Coalition is chaired by Deb Gerecke, a registered dental hygienist with the Missouri Oral Health Program and includes several representatives from various health and social organizations.

For more information, call the United Way of Southeast Missouri at 334-9634.