TITLE
Recommendation to receive report by Dr. Santos Cortez, Chair of the Long Beach Children's Oral Health Task Force, entitled "Long Beach Smile Survey: An Oral Health Assessment of Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Children in Long Beach, California".
DISCUSSION
Tooth decay is 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.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIPSKE