Oral Health

Delta Oral Health Project
Mississippi State University
Posted: 08-31-2009

Description
The overall goal of the Delta Oral Health Project is to improve the oral health outcomes of young children who attend licensed child care centers in Coahoma County. Participating child care centers will create a venue whereby young children at high risk of dental disease can receive evidence-based dental services, including oral health risk assessments, dental treatment referrals, and fluoride varnish applications. The child care centers will also be a venue for educating child care center staff and children’s parents about oral health practices and oral disease prevention.

Objectives
The goals of this project are as follows:
• Increase the use of evidence-based oral disease prevention services among moderate to high-risk children (and their parents and/or primary caregivers) who attend child care centers in Coahoma County

• Plan the use of effective oral health communication strategies (i.e., framing of messages) that are culturally sensitive, educationally appropriate for underserved and economically-challenged child populations and their caregivers

• Improve access to oral disease prevention and treatment services for children and their caregivers by identifying policies and promoting programs to encourage cost-effective dental care delivery systems in the Mississippi Delta

Dates
Beginning: 01-07-2009

Status
Ongoing

Summary
The Delta Oral Health Project is currently in the data collection phase.

Research Partners
Mississippi Department of Health

Funding Partners
Delta Health Alliance