Dental Hygienist Liaisons Improve Oral Health for Pregnant Women and Children

摘要

In 2012, the National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (NCECHW) in collaboration with ADHA and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors initiated the dental hygienist liaison (DHL) project. The project includes one DHL in every state and the District of Columbia that voluntarily serves as an early childhood oral health leader and advocate. Oral health is a priority for NCECHW, and the DHLs play an integral role at the state and local levels in promoting oral health for pregnant women and children enrolled in Head Start and children enrolled in child care. DHLs perform the following duties to address oral health promotion, disease prevention and access to care: Serve as communication links between NCECHW and Head Start and child care agencies on topics related to improving the oral health of pregnant women and children Collaborate with state organizations such as state oral health programs, state Head Start collaboration offices and associations, and child care agencies Promote and share evidence-informed oral health information and resources with Head Start and child care program staff Offer strategies to improve access to oral health care for pregnant women and children Work with oral health professionals to establish partnerships with local Head Start and child care programs to provide staff education and training