Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, especially for young children. Tooth pain in children can be difficult to describe, and the pain can affect their mood and behavior, making them an ideal playmates. To promote oral health and overall health, we offer various trainings, tools, and support to the early childhood workforce and families.
Healthy Universal Preschool Collaborative
Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation (DDCOF) has awarded over $1 million to eight nonprofit organizations in Colorado to integrate oral health services into universal preschool programs. The initiative, named the “Healthy Universal Preschool Collaborative,” will be led by Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) and Healthy Child Care Colorado. Over a two-year period, these organizations will develop a proof of concept to demonstrate how child care health consultants can support oral health integration through policies, resource sharing, and practical implementation such as screenings and referrals. The project aims to address dental needs early and promote long-term healthy habits by increasing knowledge, supportive practices, and community-based screening and referral protocols.
Trainings
We offer engaging oral health trainings in formats that work best for you. All training is available at no or low cost to participants.
Cavity Free Kids (CFK) is an engaging oral health education program designed for young children and their families. This unique curriculum focuses on teaching children the 5 basics of oral health through a variety of interactive lessons, activities, stories, songs, and family resources. During this training, we will showcase how easy and enjoyable it is to implement CFK effectively into your program.
Oral Health Assessment & Action Plan
The Oral Health Self-Assessment & Action Plan tool looks closely at elements that contribute to high-quality policies and practices in early childhood oral health. There are four main categories in the self-assessment tool:
- Commitment to Oral Health
- Education & Training
- Learning Activities & Environment
- Communication & Resources
Complete this easy-to-use tool to improve your oral health practices. You can also earn up to 4 points towards Colorado Shines Indicator 3.3 by completing it.
*Updated Self-Assessment & Action Plan – Anticipated Summer 2024!
Healthy Child Care Colorado served on the Advisory Committee to create Colorado’s first Roadmap for Early Childhood Oral Health Equity to advance integrated and preventive oral health in our early childhood systems.
Tooth Healthy Text
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