Early Childhood Oral Health

What Child Health Professionals need to know

Did you know that by the age of six around 50% of children entering Australian primary schools have tooth decay? Early childhood is a time when most lifetime habits are established. Primary health providers for families with infants and young children can support practical health benefits through the early identification and prevention of dental disease. Find out how you can support better oral health outcomes for children by registering for your free online course (1 CPD point).

This course is suitable for childcare workers, dental and medical practitioners, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. Four online learning modules have been developed to increase your confidence, knowledge and skills to help deliver better oral health outcomes for children. The course takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, attracts 1 CPD point and addresses the following topics:

Module 1 Will help you (i) understand the prevalence of dental decay (ii) identify and recognise the different stages of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) (iii) describe three visual signs of good oral health (iv) identify behavioural and environmental risk factors for ECC and (v) understand the consequences of ECC.

Module 2 Will increase your knowledge about (i) the process of tooth decay (ii) the role of sugar and the frequency of consuming food and drinks in dental decay (iii) the role of saliva and (iv) the consequences of prolonged and inappropriate bottle use and early intervention strategies.

Module 3 Will help you (i) describe the visual signs of good oral health that can be observed in an oral health check (ii) in the early identification of ECC and appropriate intervention and (iii) provide effective advice to parents/caregivers regarding ECC.

Module 4 Offers preventive advice (i) designed to increase your knowledge about when it is recommended to start tooth brushing and (ii) on appropriate dietary habits for young children.

Register