Medical Providers
Paint-A-Smile: Fluoride Varnish
Act 90 of 2011 allows Arkansas physicians, nurses, and other licensed health care professionals to apply—and seek reimbursement for—fluoride varnish. The Paint-A-Smile program trains medical professionals to perform oral health risk assessments, oral health screenings, education, and fluoride varnish application in clinical settings.
Program goals:
- Close the gaps that exist for children who do not have regular access to comprehensive dental care
- Reduce the risk of dental caries
- Initiate a referral to a dental home
- Educate caregivers about tooth decay and prevention
To start applying fluoride varnish in your office, please contact us HERE to schedule a free in-person training. You can also become certified to apply fluoride varnish and receive free CE through the Smiles for Life online training course “Caries Risk Assessment, Fluoride Varnish, and Counseling.”
Oral Health & Chronic Diseases
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) plays a significant role in chronic disease processes by contributing to systemic inflammation and enabling the spread of harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Research has linked periodontitis to an increased risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease may increase insulin resistance in diabetes and promote atherosclerosis in heart disease.
Periodontal health is increasingly recognized as an important component of overall chronic disease prevention and management.
If you’re interested in learning more about your patients’ periodontal health status, take a look at our Periodontal Disease Screening Tools or contact us at [email protected] or 501-280-4111.
Preventing Pneumonia through Oral Hygiene
Dental Providers
Antibiotic Stewardship
By prescribing antibiotics according to the latest guidelines, dentists can help to prevent the spread of drug-resistant microorganisms.
Infection Prevention & Control
Infection prevention and control in the dental office is essential to keep everyone—patients, staff, and providers—safe and healthy. Dental procedures often involve close contact with saliva, blood, and instruments that can carry germs. By following proper cleaning, handwashing, and protective equipment practices, dental teams help stop the spread of infections. These steps protect people with weak immune systems and help maintain a safe, trusted environment for care.