Cultivating Healthy Smiles: Nurturing Oral Health From the Start

Are you uneasy when caring for infants and toddlers, uncertain during examinations, and find it difficult to guide parents? Would you like to offer more support but are unsure how to do so effectively?

Discover how your practice can seamlessly and methodically caterto the needs ofinfants and toddlers, leading to increased in-house retention, heightened productivity, and enhanced practice profitability. Experience the fulfillment of serving your community while guiding the oral growth ofinfants and toddlers. The American Dental Association and the American Academy ofPediatric Dentistry recommend regular dental care forinfants and toddlers to promote healthy orofacial development. The first visit should be within six months ofthe firsttooth eruption or by the first birthday. Early intervention fosters long-term health and an established dental home nurtures oral health as well as practice growth. Participants will gain insights into the significance of monitoring orofacial growth in young patients.We will discover a six-step plan thatinvolves tracking milestone recall visits from birth to age three. Acquire the knowledge and expertise essentialfor offering early intervention and supportive care forinfants and toddlers, as well as empowering parents to prioritize their child's oral health.

Learning objectives

  • Understand and apply early intervention recommendations ofthe American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Determine the clinician’s responsibility in examination and treatment of children under the age of 3
  • Identify essential screening criteria for infants and toddlers in a dental setting
  • Explore educational strategies for parents aimed at prevention of dental issues
  • Acquire a systematic approach to establishing a recall system for prenatal mothers and children up to age three
  • Appreciate the role of early intervention in preventing myofunctional disorders.
  • (Optional) Assess challenges of discharging infants and toddlers post-frenectomy withoutfollow-up appointments
  • Boost your confidence and skills to deliver more comprehensive care while also enhancing practice growth

Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM, IBCLC has over 30 years of experience in the dental field with a background in dental hygiene.