ADA encouraged by CDC data on early childhood caries

The American Dental Association (ADA) has released a statement that it was "encouraged" that preliminary data presented at the Innovations in the Prevention and Treatment of Early Childhood Caries conference on October 23 in Ellicott City, MD, show a downward trend in early childhood caries in the U.S. and indicates progress in ensuring that children are getting needed dental treatment.

"This preliminary analysis may indicate a promising trend. We are encouraged that it shows far less untreated tooth decay in children, with dentists providing needed treatment," said ADA President Maxine Feinberg, DDS. "Dental Medicaid visits have been increasing and more kids are seeing the dentist. Now, we must stay the course, building on that momentum to continue making an impact for children, and expand efforts to prevent dental disease before it starts."

Preliminary unpublished data shared by Bruce Dye, DDS, MPH, the dental epidemiology officer at the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suggests a decadelong trend of increased treatment of caries in preschool children, a clear shift in untreated dental disease in the U.S. among 2- to 5-year-olds toward more restored dental surfaces for all 20 primary teeth.

The analysis is based on a review of 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) longitudinal health data from the CDC and a representative sample of the U.S. population. It was presented in advance of expected CDC publication of the full range of data covering 2011 through 2014 next year and should be viewed as a preliminary analysis.

"Dental access, prevention, and care initiatives are making a positive difference in dental health for patients, and the ADA is committed to continuing to support and promote increased alignment of efforts and partnering to better fuel the momentum," Dr. Feinberg said.