A recent survey by the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry reveals alarming dental decay rates among children in Kentucky. The 2023 Kentucky Early Learners’ Oral Health Surveillance Project found that children aged 2 to 5 in the state experience significantly higher rates of dental decay compared to the national average.
Funded by the Kentucky Department of Public Health, this extensive survey assessed the prevalence of dental decay and treatment needs among young children. It is considered one of the largest state-level oral health surveys targeting Pre-K and Head Start programs in the United States. Dr. Pamela Stein, a professor in Public Health Dentistry and co-investigator of the project, emphasized the importance of early oral health for overall health and development.
The project screened 6,660 children across 106 counties in Kentucky.
Local dental hygienists were employed to conduct screenings and coordinate efforts in their regions. They reached out to daycares and Head Start programs to schedule screenings for interested facilities.
Screeners were trained to identify both treated decay (cavities with fillings) and untreated decay. For children with untreated decay, screeners assessed the severity and urgency of treatment needed.
Each child’s results were compiled into report cards sent home to parents, which included referrals to local dentists and contact information for regional coordinators for further assistance.
The findings indicate that dental decay rates for Kentucky’s young children are not only higher than the national average but are also comparable to those living in poverty, who are at the highest risk nationwide. Various demographic, geographic, and social factors contribute to these high rates. The strongest correlation was found with region, followed by age, facility type, and rural location.
Additionally, children attending rural Head Start programs and Black children from low-income areas in Jefferson County showed particularly high decay rates.
These survey results are expected to influence future dental care initiatives for young children in Kentucky. During a statewide conference on November 1, community leaders discussed strategies to tackle dental decay among this vulnerable population. Dr. Jeff Okeson, dean of the College of Dentistry, highlighted the university’s mission to improve access to oral healthcare for all Kentuckians and stressed the need for education on good oral health practices alongside improving access.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, continuing with check-ups every six months.
Unfortunately, many children do not see a dentist until they experience pain from decay. Dental decay remains a preventable yet prevalent chronic childhood disease, affecting approximately four times as many children as asthma.
Data from mobile dental programs run by UK Dentistry show a decline in tooth decay rates among preschool-aged and school-aged children over time, suggesting that early intervention strategies may be effective but require further investigation.
Kentucky Health News is an independent news service associated with the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky, supported by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
Related topics: