Access to Dental Care

Why is this a priority?

Oral health is linked to overall physical health as well as socioeconomic outcomes.

Goal 5: Increase the number of Santa Cruz County children ages 0-5 accessing quality dental care

According to the CDC, oral health has been linked with chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, as well has behaviors like using tobacco and eating and drinking foods and beverages high in sugar. Additionally, untreated dental disease can cause pain or visible decay that affect self-esteem, ability to learn, and employment opportunities. Public health strategies such as school dental sealant program shave been proven to save money and prevent cavities.
The county will address oral health under the leadership of Oral Health Access Santa Cruz County through strategies such as a First Tooth First Birthday campaign and continuing efforts to ensure all kindergartners or first graders have had dental screening. Additionally, the community aims to increase the number of children ages 0-5 in Santa Cruz County with access to quality dental care by collaborating with partners working in other areas of this plan.

Goal 5 Health Indicators

The following health indicators help track Santa Cruz County's progress and current status on access to dental care compared to other CA counties.

Dentist Rate

Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 90 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 80 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 58. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 90 which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 80 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 58.

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to CA Counties)

 
          Objective 5.1                    
By 2023, increase the number of Denti-Cal recipients ages 0-3 years that have seen the dentist in the past year from 43% to 60%.

How We Will Accomplish This Objective

Increase awareness of the importance of First Tooth First Birthday (1T1B) dental visits

Jan
2023

  • Develop and implement 1T1B media campaign

  • Educate pediatricians and dentists about the 1T1B recommendation

  • Provide information to patients and parents through newsletters and other educational materials through Central California Alliance for Health and First 5

Increase the availability of preventative dental services

Jan
2023

  • Recruit mid-level providers and pediatric dentist

  • Educate private dentists about increases in Medi-Cal reimbursement rates

  • Open new dental clinic to serve more children by 2020

  • Work with safety net clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and Child health and Disability Prevention providers to institutionalize fluoride varnish application and/or oral screening at well-child visits

  • Train medical providers to apply fluoride varnish

 
          Objective 5.2                    
Maintain Denti-Cal utilization rates of 70% or higher for children ages 4-5.

How We Will Accomplish This Objective

Increase local compliance with AB 1433, required dental screenings for all children entering public school

Jan
2023

  • Require dental screening or signed waiver by May 31st of first year of school

  • Provide the County Office of Education with passive consent forms for school dental screenings, to be included in new student registration packets

Increase clinic capacity to see new patients 4-5 years of age.

Jan
2023

  • Implement and/or modify policies and procedures to support an increase in new pediatric patients.

Santa Cruz