Virginia Dental Home Initiative
The Virginia Dental Home Initiative (VDHI) is an educational outreach program for dentists, dental hygienists and early childhood educators. Its goals are to increase awareness of the importance of oral health and to secure comprehensive, ongoing dental care from a consistent provider (a dental home) for all Virginia children.
Launched by the Virginia Oral Health Coalition in partnership with the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, the Initiative addresses two obstacles to improving dental health among Virginia’s children:
- Many parents, caregivers and educators are unaware of the important role early dental visits and an established dental home play in preventing dental problems.
- There are unique challenges to providing dental care to young children. Many general dentists and hygienists are unaware of key pediatric clinical techniques.
VDHI trainings are offered throughout the Commonwealth. Each training offers four continuing education credits and is designed to:
- Teach dentists and hygienists the unique clinical skills necessary to provide dental care to young children.
- Provide teachers with effective strategies and techniques to help children and parents understand the importance of a lifetime of good oral health and the need for every child to have a dental home.
View upcoming VDHI trainings and other continuing education opportunities.
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