The Regional Dental Health Program was initially funded in 1985 by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to promote the school-based Fluoride Mouth Rinse Program. The Dental Program serves Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties. The program provides oral health consultation, education and referral to 66 local health departments, 8 WIC programs, 89 Child Health Conferences and 1,333 schools (219 districts). The region represents 41% of the state’s children ages 3 to 11, the age-group served by the program’s two major activities, Cavity Free Kids (ages 3-5) and the school-based Fluoride Mouth Rinse Program (ages 5 to 11). The scope of dental health activities has grown significantly since 1985.

In addition to regular program activities, staff plays a leadership role in the Increase Physical Activity and Improve Nutrition Goal Team of the Partnership for Community Health. Participation in this community health improvement project reinforces dental health program activities because of the favorable impact nutrition can have on dental health.

The goal of the Cavity Free Kids Program is to develop appropriate, effective and efficient interventions for children and their caregivers to prevent, alleviate and treat dental caries, periodontal diseases, dental pain and fear. The program brings together schools, day care providers, families and local health professionals to improve the oral health of pre-school children. The comprehensive program includes daily classroom-based tooth brushing using fluoride toothpaste, oral hygiene education, staff training, parent education, dental screening, referral and follow-up. Forty-nine sites (56 classrooms) were enrolled in the program during 1999, serving a total of 1,008 students. Six Cavity Free Kids training sessions were presented to a total of 90 participants who began the program during 1999.

The Regional Dental Health Program worked with the New Jersey Dental Association to develop the Adopt A Pre-K Program as a companion to the Cavity Free Kids program. Adopt A Pre-K paired five dentists from the

community with schools and day care facilities. The dentists volunteered to visit 56 pre-K classrooms where they talked about healthy teeth and visiting the dentist, and conducted a visual screening on 929 children.

The school-based Fluoride Mouth Rinse Program was implemented in 127 schools with technical assistance and in-service training provided. Six Fluoride Mouth Rinse training sessions were presented to 192 school personnel and volunteers. A total of 16,911 students participated in 1999. The department served as the lead agency for the program and continued to refine eligibility criteria for school participation.

A total of 127 dental health education classes and assemblies were presented to 9,041 students. In addition, consultation was provided to schools requesting dental education. Staff provided local professionals with technical advice, teaching aids and handout materials. Other activities follow.

• 31 schools borrowed the “Franny the Flossisaurus” teaching kit. Approximately 1,395 pre-K through third grade children used the educational materials.
• The “Mr. Gross
• Mouth” teaching kit for grades 4 through 6 was borrowed by 19 schools for use by approximately 2,280 students.
• 16 performances of the Dental Health Puppet Show were presented to a total of 704 pre-K through first grade students.
• 21 classes about caring for children’s tee
• th were presented to a total of 649 WIC (Women, Infant, and Children Supplemental Food Program) clients.
• The Miles of Smiles newsletter was published and mailed to 1,333 schools and 66 health departments in the region. Topics included: early childhood caries, fluoride varnish, dental Web sites and recognizing signs of child abuse.
• 537 nondental health professionals participated in four Oral Health Workshops that covered a variety of oral health issues.
• Program staff participated in 10 health fairs reaching a total of 9,200 children and parents, and supplied materials for nine additional health fairs.
• 284 county residents seeking dental treatment were assisted with access to care.