The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that preliminary statistics from a recent CDC report show promise in the fight against dental caries. When compared with published data from previous surveys, the new data show an increase in the percentage of children who receive treatment when the disease does occur.
The preliminary numbers are encouraging, but they reflect only the first 2 years of what will be a longer and more comprehensive survey. While treating dental disease is critical, prevention is the ultimate answer.
The ADA has taken action to prevent and, ultimately, end untreated dental disease through its Action for Dental Health (ADH) movement. The ADH is a nationwide, community-based program designed to provide immediate care to people already suffering with dental disease, strengthen and expand the public-private safety net, and bring dental health education and disease prevention into underserved communities.
