Authors: Kathy R. Phipps, DrPH, Nathan P. Mork, DDS, MPH, Samuel A. Mortensen, DMD, and Timothy L. Lozon, DDS

Publication Year: November 2025

Keywords: Health Care Access, oral health, dental health, child health

Abstract: 
Since 1999, the oral health of AI/AN dental clinic patients aged 2 to 5 years has improved, but the pace of progress remains slower than that seen in other racial and ethnic groups. The prevalence of early childhood caries increases with age; by the age of 5, over 80 percent of AI/AN dental clinic patients have ECC. Over 40 percent of AI/AN preschool children receiving care at IHS or Tribal dental clinics have untreated tooth decay requiring restorative treatment, such as a filling, crown, or extraction. Dental sealants on primary molars are an underutilized preventive measure, with only 11 percent of AI/AN dental clinic patients aged 3 to 5 years having at least one protective dental sealant.

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