Addressing Children’s Oral Health in Buffalo, NY

Dental disease is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States but it’s almost completely preventable. Children in low-income families are especially at risk, and due to disparities in access to and quality of care, it is more likely to be left untreated.

In response to the growing concern about the number of young children receiving dental care in our region, we wanted to identify potential interventions that would improve children’s oral health in Buffalo, NY.

This report summarizes research activities and findings, beginning with an overview of the literature on children’s oral health concerns and a picture of dental health within New York State, Erie County and Western New York based on available data. The authors conclude with a set of recommendations for the Foundation to consider.

Using information gathered in this report, along with a similar report for Syracuse, NY, we designed our CHOMPERS! Bringing Dental Care to Kids initiative.