OHRA - AAP Recommendations for an Oral Health Risk Assessment

AAP Recommendations for an
Oral Health Risk Assessment

	Assess mothers’s/caregiver’s oral health.

	Assess oral health risk of infants and children.

	Recognize signs and symptoms of caries.

	Assess child’s exposure to fluoride.

	Provide anticipatory guidance including oral hygiene instructions (brush/floss).

	Make timely referral to a dental home.

	The AAP, also realizing the important role that child health professionals need to play in children’s oral health, developed a policy statement in May 2003 titled, “Oral Health Risk Assessment Timing and Establishment of the Dental Home.” This policy states that every child should begin to receive an oral health risk assessment by 6 months of age by a qualified pediatrician or a qualified pediatric health care professional.

	When performing an oral health risk assessment, child health professionals should
		Assess mother’s/caregiver’s oral health.
		Assess oral health risk of infants and children.
		Perform oral health examination and recognize signs and symptoms of caries.
		Assess child’s exposure to fluoride.
		Provide parent education on oral hygiene and diet.
		Make timely referral to a dental home.

	To review the AAP policy statement, visit http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;111/5/1113.