The Center for Oral Health (Center) has released a comprehensive policy brief detailing the remarkable success of its innovative school-based dental program, Early Smiles California. The brief highlights significant cost and resource savings for families, the healthcare system, and the California educational system.

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Early Smiles California Screening and Sealant Day (Photo: Business Wire)

The Center for Oral Health is calling on California state legislators to allocate $10 million in the upcoming budget to expand school-based dental care programs to all public schools statewide within the next three years. Additionally, the Center emphasizes the necessity of Medi-Cal Dental reimbursements for dental screenings and oral health education, as well as mandating annual oral health assessments from pre-K through 12th grade in public schools. Oral health is fundamental to academic success and overall physical well-being, making this initiative essential.

Early Smiles California builds upon the successful Early Smiles Sacramento model by introducing additional services such as dental sealants and facilitating fee-for-service referrals to ensure ongoing dental care for children. Early Smiles Sacramento aims to reduce emergency room visits for preventable oral health concerns, saving an estimated $13 million in healthcare costs annually and potentially saving the Sacramento County public an estimated $25 million annually in attendance-based funding.

Tiffany Turner, the lead author of the policy brief, stated, “Leveraging our extensive experience in school-based dental programs and strategic partnerships, we ensure that every child we serve receives essential dental care. This initiative specifically addresses the challenges posed by the scarcity of Medi-Cal Dental providers within rural communities. We are committed to empowering communities and fostering lifelong oral health habits among children, paving the way for a healthier future for generations to come.”

The report emphasizes the urgent need to establish school-based oral health programs in public schools across California, especially in rural communities that face a shortage of Medi-Cal dental providers and a lack of access to affordable dental care. By addressing dental issues early and removing barriers to care, Early Smiles California contributes to better long-term health outcomes and educational achievements for students.

The full policy brief is available [HERE]. Center for Oral Health invites policymakers, educators, students and their families, and healthcare professionals to review the findings and join in supporting this life-changing and cost-effective program.

About Early Smiles California

Early Smiles California is managed by the Center for Oral Health and funded by private donors and in-kind support. The program is dedicated to educating students and families about oral health and conducting dental screenings to assess children for caries, caries experience, untreated decay, and urgent dental treatment needs. It also offers fluoride varnish treatments, dental sealants, and connects families to a dental home. To learn more, visit Center for Oral Health's website or call (619) 823-2699.

About The Center for Oral Health

Founded in 1985, the Center for Oral Health is a California non-profit organization committed to improving oral health, particularly for vulnerable populations, through innovation, research, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit Center for Oral Health's website.

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