Artefacts

The Ecological Model is a comprehensive framework that considers the multiple levels of influence on health behaviors, including individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors (McLeroy et al., 1988). This model is well-suited for addressing ECC prevention as it emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments and policies that promote oral health.

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Click to download the Power Point presentation on Early childhood caries prevention-MHST 631 Week 5 Artefact

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References:

•Casamassimo, P. S., Thikkurissy, S., Edelstein, B. L., & Maiorini, E. (2009). Beyond the dmft: The human and economic cost of early childhood caries. Journal of the American Dental Association, 140(6), 650-657. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2009.0250

•Colak, H., Dülgergil, Ç. T., Dalli, M., & Hamidi, M. M. (2013). Early childhood caries update: A review of causes, diagnoses, and treatments. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, 4(1), 29-38. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.107257

•McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 351-377. doi:10.1177/109019818801500401

•Public Health Ontario. (2017). Oral health: Community water fluoridation. Retrieved from

•Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.

•Tinanoff, N., Baez, R. J., Diaz Guillory, C., Donly, K. J., Feldens, C. A., McGrath, C., ... & Pitts, N. B. (2019). Early childhood caries epidemiology, determinants, and prevention strategies. Pediatric Dentistry, 41(3), 251-267.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the most common yet preventable chronic conditions affecting young children in Canada. It disproportionately impacts low-income and Indigenous populations, contributing to pain, infection, and developmental challenges such as difficulty eating and speaking (Statistics Canada, 2024). Dental surgery to treat ECC is among the most frequent day surgeries performed on preschoolers in Canada (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2013).

The infographic highlights a strategic, multi-layered approach based on the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. These include strengthening community actions such as mobile clinics, creating supportive environments through fluoride varnish and nutrition, and reorienting health services to include routine oral health checks (Canadian Public Health Association, 1986). Programs like "Smile Alerts" that use mobile reminders can further boost parental awareness and regular checkups.

By promoting early oral health education and access to care, we can reduce health disparities and support every child’s right to a healthy, cavity-free start (Schroth et al., 2007). Preventing ECC is not just about brushing—it’s about building a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.

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References:

Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2013). Treatment of preventable dental cavities in preschoolers: A focus on day surgery under general anesthesia. https://secure.cihi.ca/free_products/Dental_Caries_Report_en_web.pdf

Canadian Public Health Association. (1986). Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. https://www.cpha.ca/ottawa-charter-health-promotion

Health Canada. (2010). The report on the findings of the oral health component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2007-2009. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2010/sc-hc/H34-221-2010-eng.pdf

Schroth, R. J., Harrison, R. L., & Moffatt, M. E. (2007). Providing timely dental treatment for young children under general anaesthesia is a government priority. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 73(3), 241–243. https://www.cda-adc.ca/_files/position_statements/earlyChildhoodCaries.pdf

Statistics Canada. (2024). About three-in-ten Indigenous children affected by early childhood cavities. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-653-x/89-653-x2024001-eng.htm

The Community Engagement Framework developed by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) serves as a robust guide for advancing oral health awareness and improving access to dental care for underserved populations in Canada. The framework emphasizes addressing social determinants of health and fostering health equity by tackling income-based disparities, geographic barriers, and systemic inequities faced by seniors, children, and Indigenous communities. Centered on principles such as inclusivity, cultural respect, and preventive care, this framework integrates traditional and emerging strategies to support dental health initiatives across provinces and sectors. 

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Click to download the community engagement document

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References:

Canadian Dental Association. (n.d.). Community engagement framework. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health