Tooth decay in our poorest children: what can we do?

Abstract

Dental programs for the poor have failed to deliver improved oral health for children to the same degree as their more well-off counterparts. Community health workers continue to identify dental problems as the greatest unmet need in their communities. Yet, many do not see this as a problem. Practitioners need to act in concert through their dental societies to establish and efficiently manage community-based outreach programs. Child dental health can also be improved by increasing access through public and non-profit community clinics and integrating child dental services with medical care.