Sacramento Head Start Alumni Association

Oral Health

Statement on Oral Health February 26, 2002

Head Start, our nation’s pride is committed to a comprehensive vision of health for children, families and staff. Head Start program regulations and program guidance for part 1304 provides direction to grantees and delegate agencies in the area of Early Childhood Development and Health Services. Performance Standard 1304.20(a)(1)(ii) direct agencies to determine as to whether the child is up-to-date on a schedule of age appropriate preventive and primary health care which includes medical, dental, and mental health. Furthermore, Performance Standard 1304.20(c)(3)(i) & (ii) directs agencies to ensure that a child’s teeth and gums are healthy and that dental health problems do not affect a child’s overall health. Through collaboration between parents and staff for optimal child health outcomes, the development of ongoing communication is required to ensure all children obtain preventive measures and treatment as recommended by dental professionals.



Head Start in California serves 102,075 children


89% of these children are ages three and four

8% are under the age of three

3% are over the age of five

66% of these children are Latino or Hispanic

13.6% of these children are African American or Black

12.3% of these children are Caucasian

7% of these children are Asian, Pacific Islander

1.1% of these children are American Indian, Alaskan


Head Start in California provided medical screenings for over 97,493


92% have completed professional dental examination

78% received preventive care

38% were diagnosed as needing treatment

31% received or are receiving dental treatment


In addition to dental care, Head Start provides services in a number of health areas including disability services and medical health. Two important facts to highlight related to oral health:



27% of all children diagnosed as needing treatment were identified as conditions related to a diagnosis of overweight

71% of children identified with a disability were determined to have speech or language impairment


Nutrition, good eating practices and oral motor development are often inter-connected to oral health. The frequency of these diagnoses suggests additional health and educational concerns may be compounded in the Head Start service population.



Clearly, addressing these issues fully is critical as we look toward comprehensive school readiness, early literacy and family services. Preventive services, access to dental health providers and pediatric dental specialist continue to be a challenge for California’s children. In the recent report Filling the Gaps: Oral Health in America (2001-2002), California received a state grade of “C”. Specifically, related to access for children living in families earning less than 15K, California ranked a “D”. These communities are the focus of intensive efforts to build support systems for academic achievement. A number of Counties, like San Diego have utilized funds from their local Children and Families Commissions (Prop10) funds to augment existing resources. In counties like San Diego, over 330 child care/early education providers, 600 parents were provided education and links for treatment resources and over 1000 children were screened and offered referrals.



To further support our families, staff and agencies the California Head Start Association supports collaboration efforts for early childhood oral health improvements. Here a number of program suggestions:



National and State level increased oral health education, and dissemination of information in culturally appropriate terms must be consistent and a stronger component of all services providers to children and families.

Development of more effective practices for low-income communities including standardized oral health screening, referral and triage in collaboration with National and State oral health leaders.

Increased training and education in dental and dental hygiene schools about providing dental care to young children. Establishing culturally competent practices.

Expanding model programs in collaboration with community partners through mobile vans and portable equipment


The California Head Start Association supports the National Oral Heal Plan. We support immediate adoption and implementation.

Links

California Head Start Association
The Dental Health Foundation
The California Dental Association
Dental Health Foundation