Oral Health
Insight on Recent Reports on Fluoride and Community Water Fluoridation
A report was released early in the year in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) that highlighted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 74 international studies on the impact of fluoride exposure, specifically on IQ. Questions were raised about the impact of this report on recommendations for products with fluoride, water fluoridation, and how to speak to parents and providers about the continued use of fluoride. Science still tells us that exposure to fluoride at the optimal level will help strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to cavities. Fluoride is safe.
The study did not review any US data, more than 2/3 of the reports were rated with high risk of bias, and the exposure amount noted was over 1.5 mg/L. The scientifically-recommended fluoride level for community water fluoridation in the U.S. is 0.7 mg/L. Regarding community water fluoridation in Idaho—with the exception of Mountain Home Air Force Base, NO public water system in the state adds fluoride. Any fluoride found in Idaho water occurs naturally.
Medical and dental providers may prescribe supplemental systemic fluoride to aid in oral health if indicated. Accessible for everyone, the best resource to determine the level of fluoride in a public water system is the CDC Website, My Water’s Fluoride, which tracks reported fluoride levels by state, by county, and by public water system. Supplements can be prescribed in liquid tablet, or lozenge form. The AAP recommends following the CDC fluoride supplemental dosage schedule. (See Table 2 in this AAP article.)
News & Updates
- Training Available for OB Providers, Midwives, Doulas
The IOHA and other partners including the division of Maternal and Child Health within the Idaho Dept. of Health & Welfare are participating in a national Learning Collaborative to address the oral healthcare of pregnant people. The IOHA has created an in-person training program to assist providers who work with pregnant people in adopting basic oral health services including assessments and education. The training is based on best practices from the AAP and can be delivered in less than an hour and includes printed and on-line resources, tips for seeking reimbursement, and guidance for patients. If you know a provider in Idaho that would like to receive this training or wants to know more about care and prevention, connect them with Jennifer Wheeler, IOHA Executive Director, jwheeler@idahooralhealth.org - ECHO Idaho Presents First Ever Oral Health In Primary Care Webinar Series
The Idaho Oral Health Alliance (IOHA) is pleased to announce the creation of an 8-part educational webinar series hosted and managed by ECHO Idaho. This free virtual series is designed for primary care clinicians who want to learn more about oral health for their patients. The series continues every third Tuesday, 12:30-1:30 (MT) through April. CME is available and attendees do not have to participate in the whole series. - IOHA Supports Oral Health Programs in Public Health Districts
In September, the IOHA received a grant from the CITA Foundation to be used to support our Healthy Me is Cavity-Free initiative and regional programming focused on children and pregnant women. The IOHA board voted to provide $1,000 to each Idaho public health district with active oral health programming to support their work with these populations. - Idaho Oral Health Improvement Plan Report for 2024 is Live
- ECHO Idaho Oral Health Series for Medical Providers Continues through Spring
- Idaho Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Session, Scholarships
- Give Kids A Smile Project Registration Live
- Idaho Head Start Association Conference Registration Live
Links & Resources
- Idaho Oral Health Alliance
We hope you will continue your support of the IOHA by joining us as a member. Annual memberships start every January, but you can join at any time. For more information or to pay your dues, visit https://www.idahooralhealth.org/membership/ - Introducing SDF into Pediatrics: Findings on Considerations for Integration and Collaboration for Patient Referrals - Webinar Slides (pdf)
- Medical Health Portal - Dental & Oral Health Screening (website)
- 2022 IOHA Annual Report (pdf)
- Release of Idaho's First Oral Health Workforce Assessment (pdf)
- Idaho Oral Health Alliance Receives Grants (website)
- CDC Initiative Creates New Water Fluoridation Technology to Support Rural Health Needs (website)
- AAP: Fluoride varnish is billable and implementable (website)
According to Pediatric News, with fluoride varnish treatments now on the Bright Futures periodicity schedule, reimbursement is attainable, and pediatricians can focus on integrating the 45- to 60-second procedure into their practices and strengthening their oral health messaging to families. - Idaho Oral Health Network Update – November 2015 (pdf)
- Healthy Me Update – November 2015 (pdf)
From the Idaho Oral Health Alliance - US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations Ages 0-5 (website)
- Schedule of Screenings & Assessments Recommended at Each Well-child Visit from Infancy through Adolescence (website)
From the American Academy of Pediatrics - Idaho Receives A Grade in PEW Dental Sealant Report (pdf)