A study of more than 97 million dental claims by the Delta Dental Plans Association found that two-thirds of children at higher risk of developing caries aren't getting recommended preventive dental care.
Among children younger than 18 years, 27% are at a higher risk of developing caries as measured by a history of recent fillings, according to a press release. Of those children, 65% did not receive two fluoride treatments annually, 68% of 6- to 9-year-olds didn't receive sealants on their first permanent molars, and 85% of those ages 10 to 14 didn't receive sealants on their second permanent molars.
The ADA recommends that children at higher risk of caries receive two fluoride treatments a year, as well as sealants on their first and second permanent molars. Such treatments are usually fully covered benefits, according to the association.
The study also showed that 25% of children ages 3 to 18 didn't visit the dentist at all, and the youngest children (younger than 3) are the least likely to see a dentist: 71% of children under age 3 didn't get dental care.
