Innovative Public Health Approaches to Monitor ECC in Latin America

Epidemiological data on caries of the primary dentition of children in Latin America is scarce, limiting the opportunity to initiate interventions to prevent and treat disease. In this presentation, we will present the most current national data for dental caries in the Region. In response to this problem, an ongoing IADR-funded intervention to be described in full, seeks to standardize the protocols for obtaining normative and self-reported data on the oral health status of preschool children. This project includes eight South American Divisions and Sections of the IADR who are working together on a regional project. Eight individuals (‘standards') will be trained to use an epidemiological modification of the ICDAS-II protocol. These individuals will carry out epidemiological studies in their countries. In addition, the protocol to be described includes measures of impacts on daily living using the ECOHIS instrument. It is expected that these efforts will provide a reliable assessment of the oral health status in the participating Latin American countries to design appropriate interventions. Novel interventions for early prevention of early childhood caries (ECC) that have been tested in Latin America will be discussed. The involvement of other health professionals, for example pediatricians, nurses, obstetricians and auxiliary personal in the prevention and health promotion, early detection and referral for appropriate treatment, was found to be essential. A multidisciplinary approach is important to prevent the occurrence of ECC and the need of implementing programs at a public health level will be discussed.