Goals: What we do
Of the 4 million children born each year, one-quarter will have at least one cavity by the time they reach kindergarten and one-half by second grade.
The oral health of children has a significant and lasting impact on the productivity of our existing and future employees and leaders. Of the 4 million children born each year, one-quarter will have at least one cavity by the time they reach kindergarten and one-half by second grade. For the first time in 40 years, tooth decay in young children is on the rise. Untreated tooth decay is progressive and can be devastating to children's long-term health, educational achievements, self image, and overall success. Without immediate action, the impact of tooth decay among today's young children will be felt for years to come. Fortunately, tooth decay is preventable. At the Children's Dental Health Project, our goals are:
- To Prevent childhood tooth decay, because cavities are the result of a disease that is overwhelmingly preventable.
- To Promote solutions that are grounded in the best available research and supporting exploration when evidence is lacking
- To Engage policymakers and other decision-makers in addressing ongoing inequities in oral health and to implement cost-effective solutions.
Over the past twelve years, CDHP's actions have resulted in:
- Development of critical legislation to support prevention, improve dental coverage for children and build a stronger dental workforce.
- Congressional investigations of the adequacy of the systems, specifically Medicaid, intended to treat children from low-income families.
- Tools to establish public-private partnerships to meet the dental needs of uninsured or low-income children.
- Recommendations used by advocates and policymakers across the country to advance the oral health of all children and their families.
Vision and Mission
Goals: What we do
Staff: Who we are
Leadership: Board of Directors
How to reach us
Donate
