UB IN THE COMMUNITY

  "Twelve months is the ideal time to start dental visits." ~ Lisa Mruz, DDS

The American Academy of Pediatrics released in May 2003 a policy which states that all children should visit a dentist by 12 months of age to help determine whether that child is at risk for dental caries or other potentially-harmful oral disease.

Recent studies have shown that children with special health care needs, children who have mothers with a high rate of tooth decay, children who breastfeed or bottle feed continuously through the night, and children who live in households with limited or no dental insurance are at risk for tooth decay if not seen by a dentist before their first birthday.

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Pediatric and Community Dentistry department recognized this need and in collaboration with Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB) Department of Pediatrics has partnered to create an Infant Dental Home.  Mothers to be who attend prenatal classes at (WCHOB) receive an informative lecture on early oral care for their newborn and a "Bottle of Knowledge" which consists of information on baby bottle syndrome, teething, thumb or pacifier sucking, nutrition, fluoride, oral hygiene instruction, and second hand smoke. 

Also included is a reminder card to contact their dentist, or our dentists if they do not have one for their child to schedule a dental checkup at the same time the child returns for their 12-month doctor visit.

Send e-mail to jmdim@buffalo.edu with questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2008 University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Pediatric and Community Dentistry
Last modified: 08/27/08