Pediatricians play an important role in a child’s oral health and overall health outcomes. Children who may not be able to see a dentist are well served by pediatricians who are knowledgeable about oral health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children see a dentist by age 1 or 6-months after the first tooth eruption. The AAP is committed to providing pediatricians with education, tools and resources in efforts to provide children optimal health care.
EPIC Oral Health – Integrating Infant Oral Health & Perinatal Oral Health into Routine Well Care
The EPIC (Educating Providers in the Community) was developed by the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) to provider primary care providers with a lunch & learn CME/CNE program. During the 60-minute training, NJAAP with provide the practice:
- Training on oral health through a hands-on experience
- Provide information about insurance reimbursement and CPT codes for oral health procedures
- Provide start-up materials for the fluoride varnish application
To learn more or schedule a hands-on training, contact us at oralhealth@njaap.org
Smiles for Life Curriculum
Smiles for Life was developed by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Group on Oral Health and is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. There are 2 child-focused modules recommended for pediatricians –
Smiles for Life is a comprehensive oral health module that can help you integrate oral health into your practice. You can learn to assess risk factors for tooth decay, perform oral health examinations, and counsel patients on preventative techniques.
These modules are endorsed by the AAP and approved for continuing medical education. Under Resources, you can find useful videos on how to conduct an oral health risk assessment in the medical office and how to apply fluoride varnish, as well as other helpful materials for educators.
Become a Dental Champion
Join NJAAP in their efforts to improve oral health care for children in New Jersey. Become an Oral Health Champion in your Community. Oral Health Champions are identified as a pediatric dentist that is selected and trained by the NJAAP to identify, recruit, train and mentor local dentists and pediatricians on the importance of preventive oral healthcare for children especially between the ages of 0-3. Dental Champions are essential partners in ensuring that healthcare professionals have a linkage to the medical and dental home and are well-trained valued partners in meeting the needs of young children in their communities.
If you are interested in becoming a Dental Champion, please contact us at oralhealth@njaap.org
