Explore this tip sheet to find out about the Dental Hygienist Liaison (DHL) project. Learn about the purpose, scope, and role of DHLs. Find examples of the types of activities DHLs engage in to improve the oral health of pregnant women and pregnant people, and children enrolled in Head Start programs.
Promoting oral health and preventing oral disease are essential to oral health and overall health. Because of the importance of oral health during pregnancy and early childhood, the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety (NCHBHS), working in partnership with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, administers the DHL project. Under the DHL project, one dental hygienist from each state volunteers to help promote oral health for expectant families and children enrolled in Head Start programs.
Role of the Dental Hygienist Liaison
DHLs promote oral health in Head Start programs by:
- Providing a communication link between NCHBHS and Head Start programs in their states
- Collaborating with state organizations such as state oral health programs and Head Start State Collaboration offices
- Providing oral health presentations at state conferences and meetings
- Offering strategies to improve access to oral health care
- Working with oral health professionals to establish partnerships with local Head Start programs to provide staff education and training
- Sharing information about the importance of oral health and regular oral health visits, good nutrition and oral hygiene practices, and oral injury prevention strategies with Head Start program staff
- Serving on Head Start committees (e.g., Head Start health manager networks) and state oral health advisory boards and coalitions
To contact the DHL in your state, check the DHL roster or send a message to health at ecetta dot info.
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Resource Type: Publication
National Centers: Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Audience: Teachers and Caregivers
Last Updated: September 24, 2024