Baby teeth are at risk of decay as soon as they first appear according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Untreated tooth decay can lead to pain and infections, which can affect a child’s ability to speak, eat, play, and learn. Routine visits allow medical and dental providers to provide age-appropriate screenings and identify potential problems early.

Per the American Dental Association and the CDC, a child should have their first dental checkup after the first tooth appears or by the time the child turns one year old. Dental assessments and care should continue at least every six months or as indicated by the child’s individual needs.

Child Dental Needs:

• Talk with parents and caregivers about the importance of their children’s baby teeth and oral health needs between birth and age 5.
• Encourage parents and caregivers to talk to their dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
• For children younger than two, parents and caregivers should consult with their child’s doctor or dentist regarding the use of fluoride toothpaste.
• Encourage parents and caregivers to ask their dentist about applying sealants when appropriate.
• Most dental plans have healthy activity rewards. Make sure parents and caregivers are familiar with plan benefits.

Child Welfare Professional Dental Information:

• Review dental history with caregiver & remind of upcoming appointments or timeframes required.
• For children one and two years old, the pediatrician well visit exam form meets the standard for documentation if it specifically indicates that teeth and gums were examined.
• A copy of the medical and/or dental records must be uploaded into FSFN medical record file cabinet. Consider naming conventions such as child name, date, type of record.
• Follow up or additional dental service needs identified are required to be completed timely and documented in FSFN.

FSFN Documentation Requirements:

• Dental information needs to be documented separately in the medical tab and included in FSFN notes, FFAs, Progress Updates, and supervisory reviews/consults.
• Dental appointments, assessments, and treatment should be documented in the Medical History Tab at least every six months, starting at age one (or when that first tooth erupts).
• Document dental observations and discussions about oral health care, dental visits, and resources provided in FSFN monthly home visit notes (teething, new tooth, decay, etc)
• Document status of well and dental exams in FSFN Home Visit note, including upcoming appointments.
• Choose correct condition type (Dental).
• Enter provider’s info, provider type, and type of service (ie dental visits = dental exam)
• Enter source of verification (office staff/name, medical records, or Record of Visit Form) and add initials

RESOURCES: Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

        MouthHealthy.org

        Medicaid Well Child Visits | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration