The Chapter Advocate Training on Oral Health (CATOOH) is a new AAP program supported by funding from the American Dental Association Foundation.

Beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2010, a representative from each of the 66 AAP Chapters will be trained to serve as a Chapter Oral Health Advocate (COHA). The COHA will function as the Chapter's oral health expert—offering trainings on incorporating oral health assessments into well-child visits; establishing collaborative relationships with general dentists, pediatric dentists, and state and local dental organizations to improve children's oral health in their communities; and providing oral health technical assistance to Chapter members.

The CATOOH is a 1½ day train-the-trainer session offered at AAP Headquarters. Participants are instructed in the role pediatrician plays in assessing children's oral health, how to conduct an oral health risk assessment (including oral screening exam), how to provide appropriate oral health instruction to families, and how to develop a management plan with referral to a dental home. Participants will take their knowledge back to their Chapter and share the information with members of their pediatric community.

Participants will take this knowledge back to their Chapters and share the information with members of their pediatric community.

During the sessions, COHAs learn to:

	Serve their local area as a Chapter Oral Health Advocate and establish collaborative relationships with general dentists and pediatric dentists, as well as state/local dental organizations, to improve children's oral health in their communities.
	Discuss the role of the pediatrician and his/her staff in assessing young children's oral health and providing anticipatory guidance to parents and caregivers.
	Cite the importance of prevention of caries in children 0-3 years of age and the establishment of a dental home by 12 months of age.
	Explain factors in cariology and the relationship of oral health to a young child's overall health and well-being.
	Perform an Oral Health Risk Assessment (OHRA).
	Identify and address challenges in caring for children's oral health, including oral health awareness among professionals and parents/caregivers, access to a dental home, and funding to support oral health care services.
	Train pediatricians and others to perform an oral health risk assessment; provide appropriate anticipatory guidance, which may include oral health instruction to families and caregivers; develop a management plan, including appropriate prevention interventions, such as the use of fluoride varnish when applicable; and referral to a dental home, as appropriate.

For more information about the CATOOH, e-mail oralhealth@aap.org.To learn about the COHA within your state, please refer to the State Links page.