Texas A&M College of Dentistry

The First Dental Home program originated as part of a 2007 corrective action plan stemming from a 1993 class action lawsuit, Frew v. Hawkins, which alleged the state had failed to provide biannual medical and dental treatment for indigent children in Texas under the age of 21. The First Dental Home initiative goes above and beyond this requirement to provide, on average, three dental appointments a year to some of the youngest children enrolled in Medicaid. It helps to view the program as a package of dental services that exists to improve the oral health of those ages 6 months to 35 months and possibly beyond while providing consistent messages to their caregivers. As such, a First Dental Home visit includes: caries risk assessment; dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning); oral hygiene instructions with the primary caregiver; application of a topical fluoride varnish; dental anticipatory guidance; and establishment of a recall schedule. Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Office of the Solicitor General, U.S. Department of Justice
In the Community

The First Dental Home visit

September 16, 2015 | by Jennifer Fuentes
The First Dental Home program originated as part of a 2007 corrective action plan stemming from a 1993 class action lawsuit, Frew v. Hawkins, which alleged the state had failed to provide biannual medical and dental treatment for indigent children in Texas under the age of 21. The First Dental Home initiative goes above and beyond this requirement to provide, on average, three dental appointments a year to some of the youngest children enrolled in Medicaid. It helps to view the program as a package of dental services that exists to improve the oral health of those ages 6 months to 35 months and possibly beyond while providing consistent messages to their caregivers. As such, a First Dental Home visit includes: caries risk assessment; dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning); oral hygiene instructions with the primary caregiver; application of a topical fluoride varnish; dental anticipatory guidance; and establishment of a recall schedule. Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Office of the Solicitor General, U.S. Department of Justice

Sources: Texas Department of State Health Services, Office of the Solicitor General, U.S. Department of Justice

Infographic Description

The First Dental Home Visit

How it started:

The First Dental Home program originated as part of a 2007 corrective action plan stemming from a 1993 class action lawsuit, Frew v. Hawkins, which alleged the state had failed to provide biannual medical and dental treatment for indigent children in Texas under the age of 21. The First Dental Home initiative goes above and beyond this requirement to provide, on average, three dental appointments a year to some of the youngest children enrolled in Medicaid. It helps to view the program as a package of dental services that exists to improve the oral health of those ages 6 months to 35 months and possibly beyond while providing consistent messages to their caregivers.

What it includes:

  • Caries risk assessment
  • Dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)
  • Oral hygiene instructions with the primary caregiver
  • Application of a topical fluoride varnish
  • Dental anticipatory guidance
  • Establishment of a recall schedule

Sources:

Texas Department of State Health Services, Office of the Solicitor General, U.S. Department of Justice