Head Start kids to get greater access to dental care

Hawaii is one of 11 states chosen this year for a five-year, $10 million effort launched in February 2007 to establish a network of dentists to fight tooth decay – the leading health problem in Head Start children.

Hawaii children have one of the worst decay rates in the nation because there is no fluoride in community water except on military bases. Lynn Fujimoto, of the Hawaii Dental Association said the sugary drinks children like don’t help.

The Hawaii project was announced in mid-May at the Early Head Start and Head Start programs at Kuhio Park Terrace. Dr. Beverly Largent, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry president, said her organization is concerned that with job layoffs and other economic problems, families will forgo dental screening for children. "What we are promoting is access to everyone. We feel the Head Start project is a wonderful place to start."

Hawaii's Early Head Start and Head Start programs serve about 3,000 children in low-income families from newborns to preschoolers. The program offers early-education classes, parent involvement, health and social services for families and now, hopefully, a "dental home." The Hawaii Dental Association will find dentists statewide to participate in the program and, since there are few dentists who specialize in pediatric dentistry in Hawaii, help train those who usually do not see young children.

All 50 states are expected to be part of the project in the next two years. Johnson & Johnson donated $600,000 to supplement federal funding to establish "dental homes" for the nation's 1 million Head Start children.