Dentistry

Community dental health coordinators: Change agents for oral health

21^st Annual World Dental Summit

February 26-28, 2018 | Paris, France

Jane Grover

American Dental Association, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Dentistry

Abstract:

Community Dental Health Coordinators are dental professionals who fill an important role of interacting with populations who are at risk for dental disease but are unsure of how to access a dental care program. They can perform clinical preventive services and community-based outreach duties but also help families know which dental services are needed, how to schedule appointments and arranging transportation for those appointments. CDHC trained individuals can manage behaviors that frequently accompany dental treatment such as fear and anxiety. By carefully explaining how dental disease begins and the various ways to treat it, parents gain understanding of their important role in safeguarding their child�??s oral health. CDHC also encourage regular oral health services for special populations such as pregnant women, teething infants, diabetics and the elderly. Optimal oral health throughout the life span helps build healthy populations! The audience will understand the details of this program, how to begin this program in their area, the educational modules necessary to complete this program and the key aspects of dental case management to reduce dental disease in their communities groverj@ada.org