Fall 2022 Issue

Your quarterly children’s oral health newsletter for Snohomish County is provided by the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program. Stay informed of program updates and learn about promoting children’s oral health with patients, clients, and families.

A group of children smiling and laughing

News Bite

Washington Smile Survey (2022-2023)

The Smile Survey provides important, up-to-date information about the oral health status of children in Washington State. Specifically, survey data is used to tell us about rates of treated, untreated, and severe decay; the presence of dental sealants, as well as a look at trends over time. This information is then used to guide oral health programs (such as ABCD) and shape public policy.

During the upcoming survey, licensed dental providers will conduct visual checks on 2nd and 3rd-grade children in public schools across the state with parental consent. This year’s survey findings will be especially helpful since many families deferred dental care during the pandemic.

Click HERE to view survey results for Snohomish County from the last survey (2015-2016), and visit the Washington State Department of Health website for more information.

Illustration of two happy teeth with smiley faces

Parent Bite

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?

Active kids are healthy kids, but dental accidents can happen! Quick action can help reduce discomfort and prevent infection. Here are steps you can take if …

A baby tooth is knocked out:

Contact your pediatric dentist
Rinse the child’s mouth with cold water to reduce swelling
Do not replant the tooth to avoid damaging permanent teeth that may be developing

A permanent tooth is knocked out:

Rinse the tooth with milk (not soap and water). Milk sugars, proteins, and antibacterial properties can help the tooth stay “alive,”.
Replace the tooth in the socket and hold it in place with a cold washcloth. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a sealed container with the child’s saliva (not water).
Contact your pediatric dentist or the emergency room if this happens after hours.

A tooth is broken or chipped:

Contact your pediatric dentist immediately to avoid the need for extensive treatment or repair.
Rinse the mouth with cold water
If possible, find the tooth fragment and bring it to the dental office

Healthy Equity Bite

What is Oral Health Literacy?

Oral Health Literacy is a term used to describe how well an individual can find, understand, and use oral health information and services. Having strong oral health literacy can help people make confident, informed decisions about their health and the health of their families.

In the U.S., 9 out of 10 people struggle with health literacy due to a variety of social and economic factors. The stress, confusion, fear, and even shame that some people experience when visiting the dentist or other healthcare providers can also lessen a person’s ability to process critical oral health information.

Another component of oral health literacy is the provider’s ability to clearly communicate information in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner.

In child dentistry settings, low oral health literacy can lead to poor feeding, eating, and oral hygiene practices, resulting in higher rates of oral disease. Parents and caregivers may also have difficulty understanding treatment options or education provided by dental staff.

All people have the right to the information they need to make well-informed decisions about their personal health and the health of those they care for. In addition to clear communication from dental providers, you can improve your oral health literacy skills during a visit by:

Asking questions and repeating what the provider tells you in your own words.
Bringing a trusted friend or family member to the appointment.
Requesting information in the language you understand best.
Asking for printed materials to take home.

Dental Provider Training & Resource Bite

A Successful September ABCD Training

On September 28, 15 Washington dental providers attended ABCD Phase I & II training with Dr. Paul Kahlon of Stellar Kids Dentistry Mukilteo. While the training session was scheduled to be in-person only, we adjusted to a hybrid format to accommodate providers from other counties who wished to participate. We thank the participants for their commitment to expanding dental care access to Medicaid-eligible children in our communities!

Are you a dentist or registered dental hygienist looking to get ABCD-certified? Want general information about how the program could work for your practice? Contact Brittany, Snohomish County ABCD Coordinator, at bbevissciuto@snohd.org for assistance.

Dental Action Day

Dental Action Day is the Washington State Dental Association’s largest annual event. This year, Dental Day is back in person. Join dental providers from across the state on Friday. January 27, 2023, to engage policymakers and advocate for issues that impact your profession and patients! To participate and learn more, register HERE.

Dental Care Resource Bite

DentistLink

Looking for a dentist that takes Medicaid or accepts patients without insurance? Visit DentistLink.org to get connected. This free and easy-to-use referral service is operated by a team of people dedicated to getting you connected to dental care services, regardless of income status. Search their directory, call or text a referral specialist, or submit a form to have a specialist reach out to you directly.

A group of people placing their hands together in the center

Community & Collaboration Bite

Dental Access Coalition (DAC)

The DAC met in October to provide updates and discuss dental care barriers that members and those they serve are currently facing. Our next meeting will be held virtually on January 27, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. If you’re interested in joining the coalition or just want to learn more, contact Brittany at bbevissciuto@snohd.org.

Infant Oral Health Training for Direct Service Staff

In September, the Snohomish County ABCD team held a training for staff at a local WIC clinic. Our ABCD champion (a dedicated local provider) reviewed infant oral health basics and shared practical advice for helping clients adopt healthy oral health behaviors. The training was followed up with a dental resource supply drop.

Community outreach and education are essential components of the ABCD program. Are you looking for a staff or client training on child and/or infant oral health? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Snohomish County ABCD Coordinator at bbevissciuto@snohd.org.

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share via Email