The All Too Important Role of the Physician

by: Dr. Joseph D. Lim 

HERE’S one very good reason why physicians and dentists should work closely together: general practitioners play an important role in detecting dental problems and even preventing a visit to the dental clinic. A University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill study shows a preventive dental program targeting preschoolers under age 4 administered by physicians effectively reduces the need for tooth decay-related treatment among young children. The North Carolina program called “Into the Mouths of Babes” trains physicians and nurses to screen and assess risks for dental caries (or tooth decay) and other oral health problems; they are also trained to counsel parents about children’s oral health needs. Established in 2000 by the North Carolina Medicaid, the program was in response to rising early childhood tooth decay rates. At the time, nearly four out of 10 children entering kindergarten had a history of early childhood caries. In some North Carolina counties, the rates were as high as two out of three children. #OpinYon #Lifestyle

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