Juvenile Detention Dental Partnership

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are often present with a lack of prior preventative health care. Periodontal diseases are among the most frequent oral diseases affecting youth today. The most common periodontal diseases for youth include plaque-induced gingival disorders and aggressive periodontitis. Evidence shows that periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of proper training and motivation to maintain oral hygiene, in addition to sugar-laden fast food options that comprise the bulk of youth food choices. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty and risk-taking behaviors can place adolescents at higher risk for periodontal disease. Dental caries (cavities) is the single most common childhood disease in the United States. According to a Surgeon’s General Report, more than 75% of 17-year-olds have had tooth decay, with an average of seven affected tooth surfaces. The Juvenile Court and Probation addressed this challenge. At Maricopa County Juvenile Detention facilities, dental needs are determined during a preventive health care encounter. If a youth has not seen a dentist within the last year, consent is obtained from the guardian to allow the youth to receive a comprehensive dental exam while detained. Through a cooperative agreement with the AT Still Dental School, dental students provide onsite services once a week including x-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatments, and dental hygiene education. Expenses associated with the program are largely covered by the State through public health assistance. This program is a fantastic experience for our youth and the dental students.