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How can I schedule a First Smiles training in my area?
To schedule a dental team training, download the training request form,
complete it and fax it back to CDAF. The program
administrator will contact you upon receipt to confirm your training.
How can I find a dentist in my area?
There are a couple of ways you can do this. For a listing of community dental clinics in the state, click here.
A new window will open and you can sort the list by zip code by
clicking on the column header. Click on the name of the clinic to
see what types of insurance they accept. You can also call your
local dental society by clicking here. Staff there can assist you in finding general dentists or specialists in your area.
What causes early childhood caries?
ECC
is an infectious, transmissible disease. It is brought on by decay
causing bacteria like mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and other
acid-producing bateria. They are caused by bacteria metabolized from
carbohydrates, including sugary foods and drinks, and foods like white
crackers and potato chips. It is the frequency of carbohydrates intake
as well as the acid-producing foods and drinks that causes dental
caries. More information is available in this article by Dr. John D.B. Featherstone.
When should a child first see a dentist?
Soon after the first tooth comes in, and no later than the age of 1 year old. Please see the AAPD recommendation.
How much toothpaste should be used to brush a young child's teeth?
Put a small pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste across the brush of a childs toothbrush. Apply the toothpaste across the width of the brush, instead of the length.
Doesn't fluoridated water reduce caries?
Yes, but currently only 30% of Californians have it. Click here to see if you have it.
The map is a general guide and does not include areas that receive
fluoride naturally. Call the local water supplier
for more specific information.
Do water filters remove fluoride from drinking water?
Pour-through
water filters (like Brita) do not remove fluoride from the water.
Either reverse osmosis or distillation must occur for fluoride to be
removed. The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) has a complete
database of water filtration devices on their website. You can search by manufacturer to find out what is removed with your device.
Who is allowed to place fluoride varnish?
With
proper training and/or supervision, most all members of the dental and
medical teams may apply fluoride varnish. Click here for the duty table published by COMDA for dental auxiliaries, and click here for excerpts from the California Nurse Practice Act and the Medical Board of California regarding nurses and medical assistants.
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