The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73944

Beverly A. Isman, MPH, Dental Public Health Consultant, 212 Huerta Place, Davis, CA 95616, 530-758-1456, baisman@pacbell.net

Oral health disparities continue to exist in children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, despite decades of efforts to address the problem. In 2001 an interagency agreement between the ACF Head Start Bureau and the HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau was created to develop linkages to support oral health in Head Start. Six projects began from this initiative, including funding for regional and state/territorial Head Start oral health forums. Six regional forums and 28 state/territorial forums are in the process of creating action plans with specific strategies to improve access to oral health preventive measures and dental care. A variety of training and educational materials, including tip sheets and curricula, are also under development. This presentation will summarize the activities and resources that have resulted from this national agenda so others can use them in state and local collaborative efforts that benefit Head Start children, families and staff.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe ACF/HRSA funded projects to increase Head Start collaborative relationships to improve oral health.
• Summarize recommendations from regional, state and territorial Head Start oral health forums.
• Describe areas where further collaboration and resources are needed.

Keywords: Head Start, Access to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.