The NC Dental Varnish Project

Into the Mouths of Babes - the NC Dental Screening and Varnish Project - is a collaborative effort of six partners: The NC Academy of Family Physicians, the NC Pediatric Society, the NC Division of Medical Assistance, the NC Oral Health Section, the UNC School of Dentistry, and the UNC School of Public Health.

Letters supporting the project were received from the NC Dental Society, the Old North State Dental Society, the UNC School of Dentistry, and the NC Oral Health Section.

Initial grant funding was provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Objective

To train medical providers to deliver preventive oral health services to high-risk children from the time of tooth eruption until age 3, including oral screening, parent/caregiver education, and fluoride varnish application.

Goal

To reduce the incidence of early childhood caries in North Carolina.

Effectiveness

IMB data show that Medicaid-covered children receiving the procedure have fewer caries-related treatments in dental offices than enrolled children not having IMB preventive services. Children having 4, 5, or 6 IMB visits before their 3rd birthday have the most benefit.

---

For more information call Kelly Close, Project Coordinator at 919.707.5485, or via email at kelly.close@ncmail.net.