Oral Health Resources
School-Based Dental Screenings
Dental screenings help monitor the oral health of Montana children, just like hearing and vision screenings. In many communities the screenings help to increase the awareness of oral health needs among parents, school officials, public health officials, and dental providers. They also offer an opportunity to provide education about dental health to Montana children. Data collected can be utilized on the local and state level to monitor oral health needs. National Oral Health Surveillance System (NOHSS) data includes dental decay and sealants for 3rd grade children.
Screening forms for conducting dental screenings available in Word or Excel formats by contacting Oral Health Program staff, MontanaOralHealth@mt.gov
Smiles for Life
A National Oral Health Curriculum to train nurses, physicians, physician assistants and other medical clinicians in evidence-based oral health practices. The curriculum offers a broad range of oral health topics and continuing education credits for completion of the courses at no charge. The Smiles for Life website also offers reference material in either printable format or iOS App.
Oral Health Integration Implementation Guide
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Medicaid provides health coverage to more than 50 million children, families, pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities in the U.S.. CMS offers resources to support public health and school officials getting Medicaid coverage for eligible children on the Insure Kids Now website.
The Ad Council
The website has a vast array of Oral Health content on oral health including videos and preventive education material. Visit the 2Min2X website to access fun child-focused material.
Administration on Aging
Content on oral health in the geriatric population from the AOA. A guide to increase access to dental care in nursing facilities was developed by the American Dental Association, National Elder Care Advisory Committee. The Incurred Medical Expenses guide can help dental professionals get reimbursed for medically necessary care not covered by Medicaid.
For resources and additional information, AOA oral health webpage.
National Maternal & Child Oral Health Resource Center
Multiple web-based resources to address maternal and child population public oral health issues. Publications for public health professionals, healthcare providers, and families can be ordered or printed.
National Maternal & Child Oral Health Resource Center Website
American Dental Association
Give Kids A Smile Day is observed each February throughout the nation. The month of February is Children’s Dental Health Month.
Evidence-Based Dentistry offers research on a broad range of oral health related topics including Community Oral Health
American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP offers multiple resources designed for parents in providing preventive oral health care for children: HealthyChildren.org - Oral Health.
Rural Assistance Center
The RAC has developed a Rural Oral Health Toolkit to identify and implement an oral health program in community settings. It also has a library of resources which includes webinar content, funding sources, oral health program models and examples of programs that have been implemented in other areas of the U.S..
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC’s Division of Oral Health helps to identify evidence-based public health interventions that enhance oral health of the US population. CDC Division of Oral Health website offers resources on dental sealants, fluoride, guidelines, recommendations, and data.
Additional Resources
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Oral Health in Infants, Children and Pregnant Women | WIC Works Resource System (USDA.gov)