Summer 2020Your quarterly children’s oral health newsletter for Snohomish County, provided by the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program. Stay informed about program updates and how to promote children’s oral health. |
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News Bite
COVID-19 has had made it difficult for families to access dental care, potentially delaying treatment and exacerbating existing oral health inequities. Closures have placed unexpected financial strain on dental practices. As dental offices reopen, it is more important than ever to support each other and advocate for children’s oral health. Below are some resources that may be helpful.
CARES Act Provider Relief Funds: Deadline Extended
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the application deadline for provider relief funds through August 28th. These funds are available to support providers for eligible expenses or lost revenue due to COVID-19. Visit the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund website for more information. The American Dental Association has also answered FAQ regarding dental provider eligibility for funds.
COVID-19 Return to Work Information
The Washington State Dental Association has created a Summary of Requirements for Return to Providing Non-Urgent Care (login required to access) based on Governor Inslee’s May 18 Proclamation 20-24.1 regarding the safe expansion of non-urgent healthcare services.
The American Dental Association has a free Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit. ADA Members also have access to additional resources, such as the Patient Return Resource Center, which includes tools to help educate patients about what to expect when they return to the dentist.
Visit Arcora Foundation’s COVID-19 Response and Resources website to learn about funding and training opportunities related to COVID-19.
See the CDC’s Guidance for Dental Settings website for up-to-date COVID-19 related guidance.
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Health Message Bite
Oral Health Education from Home
With school starting remotely this fall, you might consider recommending oral health education activities that families can do from home, such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Little Teeth League printable coloring book or American Dental Association’s activity sheets for children.
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Also see the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s simple slideshow on Healthy Summer Snacks for children. |
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Training Bite
Minimally Invasive Dentistry in the Age of COVID-19
In this online course (1.75 hours), Dr. Douglas Young, DDS discusses SMART restorations using silver diamine fluoride and glass ionomer cement in the context of the need for safe patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can access the training through Arcora Foundation by clicking here.
*This activity is eligible for 1.5 continuing education credits
Educating Patients: Talking About Fluoride
In this online course (1 hour), dental professionals will learn how to have brief, productive conversations with patients about fluoride to help them achieve good oral health. You can access this training through Arcora Foundation by clicking here.
*This activity is eligible for 1 continuing education credit
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Health Equity Bite
Racial Disparities in Oral Health
Data from the Snohomish County 2015-2016 Smile Survey (summarized on Arcora Foundation’s Oral Health Status Dashboard) show that by 2nd and 3rd grade, racial inequities in dental decay are evident in our community, with Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children experiencing higher rates of decay. For example, AI/AN children had twice the rate of untreated decay as white children in the county. This comes as no surprise, as oral health inequities are widespread and well-documented. Poor oral health during childhood is associated with long-term negative effects on learning, development, and overall health.
It is imperative that we continue to ask questions about why oral health inequities exist in our community and how we can work together to address them. For some, the first step is to examine our own biases, acknowledge that racism is a public health crisis, and educate ourselves and our colleagues about how racist policies impact oral health. For others, it might be to engage in advocacy for anti-racist practices within our organizations and the broader community.
“We implore you to embrace diversity and inclusion not as buzzwords or intellectual exercises. This is the moment for the dental community—as a robust tapestry of people from all backgrounds and walks of life—to live its values. We must live each day with intention. We must choose to live with integrity and respect toward our fellow human beings.”
- From the American Dental Association’s response to the killing of George Floyd
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Dental Access Coalition Bite
The Dental Access Coalition (DAC) of Snohomish County is a community partnership of oral-health providers and stakeholders with the goal of promoting oral health through the lifespan. The mission of the DAC is to:
- Improve access to comprehensive, coordinated dental care
- Mobilize community resources, agencies, and institutions to action
- Advocate for prevention and early intervention
March Meeting
During the March 2020 DAC meeting, members discussed the future of school-based sealant programs given the uncertainty of COVID-19. Program updates were provided by Edmonds Community College HS/ECEAP, Snohomish County ECEAP, Kids Cavity Prevention Program, Verdant, and Lahai Health. A set of by-laws was proposed to guide the structure and function of future DAC work.
Future Meetings
The DAC convenes quarterly. The next DAC meeting will be held over Zoom on Friday September 25th from 9-10:30am. All who are interested in collaborating with other oral health stakeholders in our community are invited to join with no minimum commitment required. Please contact Sarah de Jong at sdejong@snohd.org if you are interested in learning more about the DAC, attending a DAC meeting, or would like to be added to the distribution list! |
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ABCD Training
The Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program trains dentists to provide care to children under the age of 6 on Medicaid/Apple Health. ABCD certified dentists receive enhanced fees through Medicaid for certain procedures and education. ABCD certification requires just a few hours of CDE eligible training that is delivered by a volunteer dentist in your area.
To become an ABCD dentist, complete an ABCD refresher training, or if you are already an ABCD dentist and would like to complete Phase II Interim Therapeutic Restoration (ITR) training, contact the Snohomish County ABCD Coordinator, Laura Nay, at lnay@snohd.org or 425-359-0384.
Make a difference for children in Snohomish County by becoming an ABCD provider!
Low-Cost Dental Resource List
Snohomish Health District maintains a list of dentists who provide services to low income adults and children. The Low-Cost Dental Resource list includes dentists and clinics and the services they provide including languages, emergency care, and child dental care. You can find the latest version here. To be added or removed from the list, or to make edits to your listing, please complete this online form.
Finding a Dentist for Adult Clients
Adult clients in Washington, whether on Medicaid, private insurance or no insurance, can contact DentistLink. A referral specialist will help the client find a dentist in their area. Spanish-speaking referral specialists are available.
Finding a Dentist for Children on Medicaid
There is extra help available through the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program for children under the age of 6 on Medicaid/Apple Health. Contact the Snohomish County ABCD Coordinator directly, Laura Nay, at lnay@snohd.org or 425-359-0384, or complete the ABCD referral form online.
Case Management for ABCD Clients
Are you a private practice dental office who sees patients under 6 years old on Medicaid/Apple Health? Do they need extra help with transportation, language access, or other basic needs? If you answered yes to these questions, the Snohomish County ABCD Coordinator may be able to help. Please contact Laura Nay at lnay@snohd.org or 425-359-0384 |
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