Date Published:

Abstract:

Despite improvements in oral morbidity levels and access to care among the pediatric population, there are still major disparities in the United States. Results of national surveys have documented a decrease in the number of children receiving either a dental examination or a cleaning. This finding is particularly concerning for toddlers and infants, as early preventive dental visits and the establishment of a dental home is cost-effective and leads to enhanced oral health outcomes over the life span. Many infants and toddlers do not visit a dentist, suggesting that the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to establish a dental home are not appropriately adopted.