Dental decay is the presence of an untreated cavity, a filled tooth or a tooth that is missing because it was extracted due to dental decay. The first CT statewide open mouth survey, titled “Every Smile Counts: The Oral Health of Connecticut’s Children,” conducted during the 2006-2007 school year, revealed there were significant oral health disparities in CT with minority and low-income children having the highest level of dental decay. This survey was repeated during the 2010-2011, 2016-2017, and 2021-2022 school years. Since the 2007 survey, the percent of CT third grade children with dental decay has remained unchanged, with 40.6% in 2007, 39.6% in 2012, 41.5% in 2017, and 39.5% in 2022. The state average remains lower than the national average (59.5%). The 2022 Every Smiles Counts report outlines several key strategies on what parents, caregivers, providers, and policymakers can do to improve oral health of children in CT.

These data are current as of December 2022. New data may be available in five years, which will be dependent upon funding.

Source: Every Smile Counts: The Oral Health of Connecticut’s Children, 2022

School Based/Linked Dental Programs

Dental Safety Net providers

CT Dental Health Partnership

CT Oral Health Initiative

CT Dental Hygiene Association

School-based/linked dental sealant programs(SBLDSP) and Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) are evidence-based community prevention intervention programs that are effective in preventing/ reducing dental caries. SBLDP's and CWF are recommended by The Task Force on Community Preventive Services, American Dental Association(ADA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Increase enrollment and utilization of HUSKY insurance coverage and the maintenance of an appropriate pool of providers accepting HUSKY to enhance dental home concept
• Increase the number of dental providers in underserved areas and those participating in Connecticut’s HUSKY program (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program)
• Increase community and public-sector engagement in pursuing and sustaining strategies to improve oral health outcomes for children and families
• Maintain the fluoridation statute
• Advocate for parity of oral health with physical and behavioral health in practice, policy, and reimbursement
• Enhance the acceptance and use of sealants through school-based programs; culturally and linguistically appropriate public education, public awareness campaigns, and provider education
• Partner with school districts to improve dental care access for children and provide additional resources to reach additional schools throughout the state
• Improve and maintain access to dental insurance for all children, especially those of moderate and high-risk for poor oral healt
• Expand existence of and participation in dental homes
• Educate the public and policymakers on the safety and benefits of water fluoridation
• Encourage the adoption of a non-cariogenic diet through non sweetened beverage promotions; school-based programs; education and public awareness campaigns; provider education; and nutritional programs (e.g., WIC)
• Expand availability of sealants to high-risk populations
• Identify and address barriers to access to dental services
• Increase capacity of and funding for dental public health services at state and local levels