MDAC and HS/HSL release list of recommended children’s oral health books

GLEN BURNIE, Md.—A list of 22 recommended children’s books on oral health has been released by the Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC), a nonprofit organization that aims to improve oral health in Maryland, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HS/HSL). The recommendations are the result of a project conducted by an interprofessional team of reviewers.

The book list will support increased access to oral health information for children, families and health professionals and will provide guidance to those who purchase and utilize children’s books to promote oral health.

Child-serving organizations, health care professionals, educators and families can access the list online at http://guides.hshsl.umaryland.edu/dentistry/DentalBooksForChildren.

In order to develop the list, a team consisting of a pediatric dentist, school nurse, pediatric nurse practitioner, early childhood teacher, Authority Dental hygienists, dental hygiene students, library professionals and health education specialists reviewed more than 50 oral health books for children up to 6 years old. Based on the review, MDAC and the University of Maryland HS/HSL chose books for recommendation in the categories of oral health care, visiting the dentist and general information about teeth.

“This project was especially rich because of its collaborative process,” said Katy Battani, health education coordinator for MDAC. “The diverse team of professionals offered various perspectives which allowed for a well-rounded assessment of each book reviewed.”

Mary Ann Williams, research, education and outreach librarian at the University of Maryland HS/HSL, said, “Having the full collection of recommended books available at University of Maryland, Baltimore’s HS/HSL, and through interlibrary loan is a great benefit not only for the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, but also for health professionals and educators who may not have the books locally available.”

The Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC) is a nonprofit organization committed to improved health among all Marylanders through increased oral health prevention, education, advocacy and access to dental care. MDAC was established in 2007 as the Dental Action Committee. The coalition was convened by Maryland Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene John M. Colmers in the wake of the death of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver who died from an untreated tooth infection that spread to his brain. The coalition was charged with providing recommendations to increase access to oral health care for all Maryland children. Today, MDAC aims to increase access to oral health care and prevent oral disease through health education and literacy for all Marylanders. (http://mdac.us)