Little Patients, Big Impact: Treating Children Under Five

Thursday, January 28, 2027

9:00 – 11:00 am

Course Code:

411TL

Credits:

2

CE Hours

Dentist
Hygienist
Lecture
Pediatric Dentistry

NO CHARGE — REGISTRATION REQUIRED


This course is designed to support general dentists and their teams in developing the skills and confidence needed to effectively care for young children under the age of five. Early childhood is a critical window for establishing positive oral health behaviors and preventing dental disease, yet many providers feel underprepared to treat this population.


Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of early childhood caries as a disease process and explore minimally invasive, evidence-based approaches to prevention and management. The course emphasizes practical, real-world strategies to improve patient cooperation, reduce anxiety, and create positive early dental experiences for both children and their caregivers.


In addition, attendees will be introduced to the key principles and goals of Medicaid dental programs, including improving access to care, supporting prevention-focused treatment, and addressing oral health disparities among young children. By aligning clinical practices with these principles, providers can expand access while delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

Speakers

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the importance of establishing a dental home by age one and the role of early intervention in preventing early childhood caries
  • Explain the caries disease process in young children and apply risk-based caries management strategies
  • Incorporate minimally invasive techniques such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), fluoride varnish, sealants, and silver-modified atraumatic restorative technique (SMART) into clinical practice
  • Demonstrate effective communication and behavior guidance strategies to improve cooperation and reduce anxiety in children under age five
  • Identify practical approaches to engaging caregivers in preventive care and oral health education
  • Integrate workflow and practice modifications that support efficient, child-friendly, and prevention-focused care delivery
  • Recognize the goals and structure of Medicaid dental programs, including their emphasis on access, prevention, and equity
  • Explain how Medicaid dental programs support oral health equity and access to care for low-income and underserved populations, with a focus on children under age five
  • Appreciate how participating dental providers are vital to ensuring access to high-quality and compassionate services for children and adults with Medicaid coverage
The Massachusetts Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at

ADA.org/CERP