Oral Health Tutorial

What is the Oral Health Tutorial?
This is an educational program, designed for non-dental professionals who work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and children with disabilities.

Why do we need such a tutorial?
Cavities in young children are known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC). ECC is now an epidemic. It can cause children great pain, loss of vigor, poor appetite or other significant problems. It is preventable. If ECC develops, it is better to treat at early stages rather than to wait so that permanent teeth are not damaged.

Children and adults with disabilities are at risk for many dental problems. Other tutorials in this set will highlight the oral health needs of this population.

What are the learning objectives?
This program is designed to help professionals identify early signs of ECC, differentiate ECC from other dental problems, counsel families about prevention, and refer children with cavities to a dentist.

How do I use the tutorial?
At the registration page, you will be prompted to provide some demographic information and create a password. You can log-in and revisit the site as many times as you need.

How much does it cost?
The tutorial is free. We are arranging a mechanism to get Continuing Education (CE or CME) credits for the program. The credits will cost a modest amount.

When can I take the tutorial?
You can use the site at your leisure. It will require a total of about an hour, which can be broken up over a few sessions.

Anything else to know?
You are the front line in the campaign to prevent and reduce Early Childhood Caries. Most children do not get to their first dental visit until they are at least 3 years of age, despite recommendations from professional organizations to go at younger ages. This tutorial should help you to advocate for dental care for children with early signs of problems.