Exploring the possibility for a universal dental insurance program in Alberta for the prevention of Early Childhood Caries in preschoolers

Abstract

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common bacterial infection which causes severe tooth decay in infants and young children. ECC is the most common chronic infection in children under five and the leading cause of day surgery for preschoolers. Surgery is painful and expensive, and incidence of ECC increases a child's risk for future oral and general health problems. All of these surgeries occur despite the fact that ECC is entirely preventable through good oral hygiene and early access to preventive dental services. This paper consists of a literature review to emphasize the importance of oral health in children and explore the evidence for various prevention approaches, as well as a policy scan of childhood dental programs across Canadian jurisdictions. The goal of this paper is to provide policymakers with the tools to determine whether the Government of Alberta should invest in a universal children's dental msurance program. The findings produce tentative support for a universal dental program that provides an annual fluoride varnish for Albertan preschoolers. However, evidence in support of ECC intervention strategies, in both clinical and case studies, is limited. No robust recommendations can be made regarding the introduction of a universal children's dental program until more research is completed in this area.