Oral health is an essential component of a child's overall health. In recognition of this, the Children and Youth 2000 Coalition for Children's Oral Health of Illinois, using the combined expertise of dental practitioners, public health professionals, child health advocates and educators, are working together to:
- Enhance oral health education efforts, with an emphasis on prevention and early detection.
- Advocate for improved oral health status and access to dental health services for all Illinois children.
- Promote research efforts that will identify the factors having an impact on the oral health of Illinois children and develop strategies to address the findings.
- Members of the Coalition are currently working on ways to overcome gaps in access to oral health. They are trying to accomplish this through legislation to increase funding for oral health services, incorporating oral exams into well baby visits and increasing the number of children who receive dental sealants.
All of these efforts hold the promise of improved health for our state's infants, children and adolescents. If you would like more information or would be interested in serving on the Coalition, please call Dr. Fred Margolis, Co-Chairperson at (847) 537-7695.