Overview
The purpose of the Bright Smiles for Babies (BSB), Fluoride Varnish Program is to reduce the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in infants and toddlers, age 6 months until the 6th birthday. Children who are at high risk for ECC often experience barriers to accessing timely dental services. The BSB program eases barriers to care by providing preventive services primarily in non-dental settings where parents of young children are seeking other services like doctors’ offices and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics.
Program Services:
- Provide trainings to health professionals to raise their awareness of the need for early intervention, such as the recommended age one dental visit, and to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide clinical preventive services
- Provide trainings to early childhood professionals (WIC, Resource Mothers, Home Visitors, CHIP of Virginia, Head Start) to support oral health education efforts with staff, parents and children
- Provide trainings to VDH maternal providers (family planning and maternal nurses) to promote the importance of oral health during pregnancy and inter-conceptual stages
Oral health risk assessments and screenings, fluoride varnish applications, anticipatory guidance and dental referrals are provided by medical and dental providers in traditional office settings, and Public health dental hygienists and nurses in WIC and well-child clinics.
Medicaid (Standard Fee-for-Service and Managed Care) reimburses medical providers for six applications between age 6 months until the 6th birthday, approximately every six months. This frequency coincides with well-child visits. The reimbursement is $20.79/application.
Training
Topic: Bright Smiles for Babies, Fluoride Varnish Program
Target Audience: Dental and Medical Providers
How is the training provided? Virtual, In-person, or Online #1094208 (VDH: Bright Smiles for Babies Health Provider Training)
Go to link to complete a simple registration in TRAIN, then search for the course number.
Contact Us
For more information, call 804-864-7775 or send us an email.