29 - Evaluating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Michigan Head Start Community

Abstract:

Objectives: In March 2020, Michigan issued an Executive Order which directed medical and dental offices to temporarily postpone all non-essential procedures due to COVID-19. When dental offices reopened, challenges were faced including personal protective equipment and staff shortage, new infection control guidance and patient fears. The Michigan Oral Health Program at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services wanted to know how these challenges may have impacted children’s oral health.

Methods: Head Start Basic Screening Surveys (BSS) were conducted in 2017-2018 and 2021-2022 school years. Approximately 50 Head Start centers were randomly selected for each survey for a total of 3,570 children ages 3-5 years old receiving an open-mouth dental screening. Screenings looked for decay experience, sealants, white spot lesions and silver diamine fluoride.

Results: Since 2017-2018, the percentage of Michigan’s Head Start children with decay experience has increased from 35% to 45%. Since 2017-2018, the percentage of Michigan’s Head Start children with untreated decay has increased from 22% to 31%.

Conclusions: The Michigan Oral Health Program has resumed all of their screening and educational activities. This data suggests that the Oral Health Program should focus educational efforts on this population to ensure they are continuing their regular dental visits. Michigan will continue to monitor the oral health of Michigan residents and children and examine trends pre/post COVID as data becomes available.

Source of Funding: Michigan Department of Education, Office of Head Start