The excitement about the AAPD Head Start Dental Home Initiative is spreading throughout the dental community. Various state activities have resulted in many unsolicited letters from providers requesting participation in the initiative. These sentiments are well expressed in one, quoted by Alabama State Leader, Dr. Charles Hall, “we would gladly consider any initiative with the Head Start that would result in improved dental health care for the children of this county and the surrounding counties.”

AAPD State Leaders have expressed a great deal of gratitude to Head Start programs who have reached out for assistance. The dedication to improving the oral health of Head Start children expressed by Head Start staff is creating a momentum in many states in both the Head Start and dental communities. This cooperation is reflected in the experience of Montana State Leader Dr. Kevin Rencher, “I am most impressed by the need expressed by grantees. They are desperate to receive better dental care for their children. I think by getting that feeling across to the dental community, the desire to help is dramatically increased!”

Please contact your state leader if you would like more information about how you can be involved in the AAPD Head Start Dental Home Initiative. A complete list of our State Leaders, along with their contact information, is available on this Web site: http://www.aapd.org/headstart/