A young baby without teeth smiles over their father's shoulder

Oral Health

Primary care providers are in a unique position to incorporate oral health care in their practices. Oral health anticipatory guidance fits nicely with the emphasis on prevention and early establishment of lifelong healthy habits.

The information presented here is designed as a starting point for providers to incorporate oral health education into their practices.  We have included information on common dental conditions, oral health in the office and resources and referrals for providers and families.  


Common Dental Problems and Emergencies




Sedation for Dental Procedures

Guidelines for Monitoring & Management of Pediatric Patients Before, During and After Sedation for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures: AAP Pediatrics, June 2019




Recent Oral Health Webinars

Oral Health Care in the Pediatric Primary Care Office

Learn about providing oral health care to young children in the pediatric primary care office, including resource recommendations and billing considerations.

Dental Caries in Children

Pediatric dentist Travis Nelson, DDS, MSD, MPH talks about common oral health concerns in children, what pediatric primary care providers can do in clinic, and when children need to see […]

Oral Health Q&A

A conversation exploring common questions pediatric primary care providers have about children’s oral health.


Oral Health Cases

Case of the week: Open Bite

You are seeing a 3-year-old boy for a well-child visit.  His mother asks why the boy’s back teeth come together but the front teeth do not (see dentist-provided photo below). How do you describe this physical finding? What questions do you have for the boy’s parents?  What do you recommend?