The Indian Health Service Early Childhood Caries Collaborative: A Five-year Summary

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess a national initiative's effect on prevalence of early childhood caries and untreated decay in zero- to five-year-old Indian/Alaska Native preschool children. METHODS: The Indian Health Service (IHS) conducted a five-year Early Childhood Caries Collaborative from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2014. The program used educational materials and routine communication with the 322 IHS and United States tribal dental programs, with an emphasis on early access to care, dental sealant, fluoride varnish, and interim therapeutic restorations (ITRs). Prevalence and untreated decay data were obtained through the nationwide oral health survey (2010 and 2014). Data were also collected on access to care, sealants, fluoride, and ITRs. RESULTS: The number of zero- to five-year-olds with a dental visit increased seven percent: dental sealants placed increased 65 percent; and fluoride varnish applications increased 161.2 percent. Between 2010 and 2014, the percentage of one- to two-year-olds with decay experience and untreated decay declined, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Early childhood caries prevention strategies, such as early access to dental care, sealants, fluoride varnish, and interim therapeutic restorations, demonstrated some initial improvement in the oral health status of zero- to five-year-old Indian/Alaska Native children.