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CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A new report is showing there's been statewide progress in children's oral health in New Hampshire.
The report released recently by the HNH Foundation found significant improvement since a survey done in 2009, with a 31.7 percent decrease in untreated tooth decay and a 32.5 percent decrease in children with pressing dental needs.
The survey gathered data for third-grade students in all 10 counties, and in the city of Nashua, between September 2013 and June.
The report found among counties, Coos and Strafford had the highest prevalence of untreated decay at 14 and 14.2 percent, respectively. Sullivan County had the highest prevalence of dental sealants, at 91.3 percent.
"There are numerous examples of well-run programs around New Hampshire, including dental sealant programs, conducted by varying groups of dental providers, including public health dental hygienists, dentists, dental assistants and well-organized community groups and these efforts have paid off as seen in these excellent results," said Jim Williamson of the New Hampshire Dental Society.
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Online:
http://www.hnhfoundation.org/images/stories/PDFs/thirdgradesurvey2014.pdf
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