In 2000 the US Surgeon General called attention to the importance of children’s oral health and the high incidence of dental caries. Despite major efforts in recent years, oral disease still poses a significant health threat to many children.

In an effort to decrease the prevalence rate of early childhood caries, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) secured funding from the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau to create a training for pediatricians and child health professionals.

Research has indicated that access to early oral health care is critical in the early identification and prevention of the disease. Although general information about oral health disease in children will be presented, the primary focus of this presentation will be on early childhood dental caries, seen in children aged 0–3 years.