Overview

Access to dental care continues to be a problem in the state of California and throughout the United States for children ages zero to five. There are many physical and psycho-social barriers that prevent this population from obtaining early dental education, prevention, and treatment. These barriers can range from the attitudes of caregivers and providers, to the behavioral patterns of children and caregivers, a lack of appropriate dietary and home care knowledge, trouble accessing transportation or childcare, and cultural factors. In an effort to reduce these barriers, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has developed the Children’s Health and Maintenance Program (CHAMP).CHAMP is a service and research program funded by First 5 LA and awarded to the Division of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. The project started in 2012 with the aim of establishing sustainable dental homes for children ages zero to five who do not have dental homes and live in certain Service Planning Areas (SPA’s) of Los Angeles County.

CHAMP Components:

• Community outreach activities, including screenings and preventive services for children ages zero to five.
• Oral health education for parents, caregivers and children.
• Establishment of dental homes for children.
• Provision of sedation at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC or coordinated community sites when needed for the delivery of dental care for children with extensive dental needs.
• Assistance for families with community resources beyond dental care.
• Oral health education and advocacy in community sites, such as schools and community centers.
• Educational programs for health professionals
  

  To learn more about how to connect with CHAMP, click on the images below.