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For the past two years, the pandemic has dominated health care, often diverting attention and resources from other health and safety issues, including oral health.  According to a recent survey conducted by the American Dental Association, dentists report patient visits are currently at 81% of pre-pandemic levels. Now may be a good time to revisit how early childhood professionals can support healthy dental habits and preventative care.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Amy Requa suggests, "Program managers can develop and implement oral health and nutrition policies and practices to reduce oral disease within the classroom or family childcare setting. During daily routines, teachers can integrate healthy eating and oral hygiene habits to show children how to prevent dental decay… Also, programs are poised to provide essential information to families about how to prevent dental decay and promote children’s oral health."

Requa’s article, "Beyond the Tooth Fairy: Helping to Prevent Oral Disease in Young Children," is one of several in the recent Exchange Essentials, "Health and Safety First Aid Kit," addressing not only oral health, but other common challenges such as head lice, concussions, asthma and allergies, and more.

In our large collection of Exchange Essentials article collections, find resources on subjects such as administration, child development, curriculum, environments, family, and leadership.

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