Supporting Healthy Smiles for Arizona Children

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a time to raise awareness about the importance of preventive dental care for children. Healthy teeth do more than create great smiles, they support a child’s overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most common childhood condition, but it is largely preventable. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), cavities are four times more common than childhood asthma and three times more likely than childhood obesity. In Arizona, data from the Office of Oral Health, 2024 Healthy Smiles Healthy Bodies Survey show that about 50% of kindergarteners and 63% of third graders have experienced tooth decay, with nearly 25% having untreated decay. Caries rates are higher than national averages in Arizona and especially high among children in rural, low-income, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic communities. These numbers can seem overwhelming, but the good news is that early care and prevention truly make a difference.

NCDHM provides an opportunity to raise awareness about how oral health affects infants, children, adolescents, and children with special healthcare needs overall health and quality of life. Untreated oral health issues can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating and speaking, missed school days, low self-esteem, and even preventable emergency room visits for severe dental problems. Oral health conditions can also have broader impacts on overall physical health, including effects on nutrition and increased risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory complications. The AAPD Education and Resources for Parents offers trusted guidance and practical tips to help support healthy smiles at home.

Supporting Children’s Oral Health in Arizona

Here in Arizona, the Cavity Free AZ program supports school children in accessing preventive dental services. Through this program, children can receive:

Dental screenings
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants

Best of all, these services are provided during the school day, so children don’t miss class.

Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the grooves of teeth that help prevent cavities by keeping out food and bacteria. Children who need sealants, do not have private dental insurance, and attend schools with high participation in the Arizona Department of Education’s Free and Reduced School Meal Program are eligible to receive treatment with parental consent.

Programs like Cavity Free AZ help families and caregivers stay informed, reduce barriers to care, and support children in building strong, healthy teeth that can last a lifetime.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Child’s Smile

Small, consistent habits at home can have a big impact on your child’s oral health:

Brush teeth twice a day
Floss at least once a day
Schedule regular dental checkups
Limit sugary foods and drinks
Teach children healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age

Taking these simple steps at home, along with using preventive services like those offered through Cavity Free AZ, we can help children build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Looking Ahead

Oral health during pregnancy and infancy is important for setting children and families up for a lifetime of strong teeth and overall well-being. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in your area, visit the AAPD Education and Resources for Parents. For information on dental care with sliding fee schedules in Arizona, the Arizona Department of Health Services Sliding Fee Schedule can help connect families to affordable care.

Together, with awareness, prevention, and community support, we can help every child grow up with a healthy smile.

About the Author: Abriana Smith

Abriana Smith is the Office Chief of Oral Health for the Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), serving in this capacity since August 2025. Abriana brings a broad portfolio of skills in program management, community engagement, and leadership, collaborating effectively with stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels. In this position, she oversees all oral health prevention programs and activities for children, youth, and maternal populations. Prior to this role, Abriana served for two years as the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program Manager for the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems at ADHS. She was instrumental in statewide efforts to strengthen pediatric preparedness while advancing evidence-based public health programs. Abriana is recognized for her ability to advance public health priorities and initiatives and translate strategic goals into measurable, impactful outcomes. With a background in clinical dentistry, Abriana also brings expertise in workforce development and evidence-based clinical programming to improve population oral health outcomes. She is committed to strengthening statewide oral health programs and promoting preventive care for children, youth, and maternal populations across Arizona. Abriana earned her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology from Arizona State University in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, off-roading adventures, and spending time with her family and her Boston Terrier, Otto.