TITLE
Recommendation to receive report by Dr. Santos Cortez, Chair of the Long Beach Children's Oral Health Task Force.
DISCUSSION
February is National Children's Dental Health Month and we are reminded that tooth decay continues to be an infectious disease process affecting both children and adults. It is probably the most prevalent - yet the most preventable - disease among humans. By the age of 18, about 80 percent of children in the United States have experienced dental disease in the form of tooth decay.
In Long Beach, the oral health needs assessment of Kindergarten and Third graders in the Long Beach Unified School District began with the screening of over 800 children in twelve elementary schools. Trained and calibrated screeners participated in the study, which was completed in March of 2005. The principal investigator was Dr. Santos Cortez.
The Long Beach Children's Oral Health Task Force was formed in response to the alarming statistics of the poor oral health our school children were in. Significant progress has been made to address this health issue through collaboration of many stakeholders in our city. This progress report points to oral health gains of children and their families that extends to their social, economic and educational development.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIPSKE
FIFTH DISTRICT