The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is seeking public comment on a draft research plan about oral health screenings, behavioral counseling, and preventive interventions for youth and adults.
The draft plan, which is the first of a four-phase process, calls for addressing screening, risk assessment, and preventive interventions with a focus on caries and periodontitis. The task force will then issue recommendations at the end of the process.
The task force proposes systematically reviewing the following issues as they relate to individuals 5 years of age and older:
- The accuracy of primary care doctors performing oral health screenings in those who are at greater risk of future dental issues
- The efficacy of oral health behavioral counseling that doctors provide to prevent dental health issues
- The efficacy of referrals made by primary care doctors to dentists
In addition, the task force will review the effectiveness of fluoride and other preventive interventions, as well as whether specific mitigation practices, such as behavioral counseling and referral, have any harms.
The USPSTF is independent of the U.S. government, and recommendations should not be taken as an official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 14, 2021. Visit the USPSTF website to make a comment.
