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Over the past 4 decades, my teeth have experienced 8 root canals, 3 oral surgeries (apicoectomies), 2 extractions, 2 implants, one bone graft, countless fillings, and other procedures that I cannot remember at the moment. Thousands of dollars have been spent on these procedures. Almost daily, I experience some type of dental pain, whether sensitivity to heat or cold or unexplained spontaneous pain in one of my teeth that has had extensive restorative care. I am a prime example of why preventing dental decay in childhood and keeping children’s teeth healthy is of the utmost importance and provides benefits for a lifetime.
On October 29, I had the opportunity to participate in an initiative by the West Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which focuses on educating pediatricians about prevention of dental decay. I learned how to apply fluoride varnish and did so to a colleague’s teeth, who in turn applied the varnish to my teeth. Pediatricians can get reimbursed for this procedure done during well child care visits for high-risk patients in most states by the Children’s Health Insurance Program and/or Medicaid.1 Pediatric clinicians should look into whether their own state will pay non-dental professionals for providing this service.
The AAP Web site contains links that list services, reimbursements, and oral health care advocates available in each of the 50 states.2 I’m encouraging readers to look for these educational opportunities in their own states, especially because pediatricians are the dental experts for children in the first year of life, before a dental home is established. Be on the look-out for a future “Parent Coach” piece in Consultant For Pediatricians to answer parents’ questions about fluoride supplementation.
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