Oral Health Issue Brief

Governor John Hickenlooper recently made children’s oral health one of Colorado's 10 winnable battles over the next five years. This is an important goal because oral disease can negatively impact a child’s performance in school, speech development, nutrition, self-esteem and sleep.

To help inform this winnable battle, three foundations – The Colorado Trust, Caring for Colorado Foundation and the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation – jointly issued a new brief, Improving the Oral Health of Colorado's Children. Written by Diane Brunson, RDH, MPH, Director of Public Health, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, the brief details:

• the causes of oral disease,
• multiple prevention strategies,
• significant challenges in access to oral health care, and
• strategies for improving the oral health of Colorado children.

In addition to the brief, a two-page Executive Summary provides a high-level overview for policymakers.

We invite you to read this new information and to use these resources to help improve the health of Colorado children.