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Guest blog by: Irina Nekhenzon, MBA, RDH
Health Policy Manager at Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation 

Advancing Funding Options for Early Childhood Oral Health

Early Milestones Colorado works with public and private organizations to improve early childhood systems. With support from Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, they are leading a project to strengthen funding for preventive oral health services in early childhood settings. This initiative aims to ensure that young children receive oral health screenings and services. This will set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Early Milestones focuses on family support and education, health and well-being, and learning and development. Their initiatives aim to ensure that all children, especially those who have been historically marginalized, have access to the opportunities and resources needed to thrive.

This project aligns with Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation’s mission to elevate the well-being of all Coloradans by advancing oral health equity. The foundation partners with community organizations to provide innovative and equitable oral health solutions. This is done through grantmaking, policy advocacy, and systems change. Their work focuses on increasing access to oral health care, improving childhood oral health, and developing a diverse oral health workforce.

Why This Work Matters

Oral health is a vital component of overall health. This is especially true in early childhood. Poor oral health can lead to pain and infections. It can also cause difficulties eating, speaking, and learning. These issues can affect a child’s overall well-being. They can impact children’s ability to concentrate, perform well in school, and develop socially.

By focusing on preventive measures, we can stop these issues before they become severe. This will improve the quality of life for children. It will also reduce long-term healthcare costs. Good oral health practices established early in life contribute to better health outcomes as children grow.

Project Key Findings

It is important to highlight several findings:

1. Role and Structure of Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs)
• In Colorado, CCHCs provide consultation and education services in early childhood settings. Unlike other states, Colorado’s CCHCs do      not typically offer direct services.
• Colorado could explore a staff model for CCHCs like other states. This would provide a more structured and less fragmented role. This model would streamline oversight and funding.

2. Funding Options for CCHC Services
• Currently, Colorado child care facilities pay for CCHC services without public funding.
• Most states use Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) block grants to fund CCHC services.
• Categorizing CCHCs as community health workers could provide a sustainable funding source.

3. Legislation and Rule Changes
• Although Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs) were removed from a bill introduced this session, the work to codify their role in Colorado will continue. Future efforts will aim to secure stable funding from the state legislature, ensuring that CCHC services are sustainably supported.
• New standards for providers participating in the Universal Preschool Program will go into effect on July 1, 2025. These include voluntary developmental screening services.

Collaborative Efforts

Early Milestones has engaged with various partners to align goals and share best practices. These partners include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Healthy Child Care Colorado, and other agencies. These collaborations are essential for expanding the role of CCHCs and integrating oral health services.

Conclusion

The work done by Early Milestones and supported by Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is paving the way for improved oral health outcomes for young children. This project researched funding methods, shared best practices, and advocated for policy changes. We are taking significant steps toward a healthier future for our children.

The final report of the Early Childhood Oral Health project provides detailed reimbursement strategies and case studies. It also shares steps for preventive oral health services in early childhood settings. This approach ensures that our youngest Coloradans have the best start in life.

Stay tuned for the final report release in June 2025.