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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Dental Health

Public Health Dental Program

  •  850-245-4333
  •  

    Mailing Address

    Public Health Dental Program 

    4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A14 

    Tallahassee, FL 32399 

Oral health is a key to overall health. Research has shown poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, conditions of pregnant women, including the delivery of pre-term, and low birth weight infants, and in addition to other illnesses.

Establishing good dental hygiene practices help fight against the effects of tooth decay. Tooth decay is damage that occurs to the tooth surface when acid breaks down the food and sugars in the mouth. The acid eats away at the tooth, forming a hole, also known as a cavity.

Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that lead to other problems. Brushing and flossing is essential to removing bacteria and decreasing the risk of cavities.

Tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums:

  • Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft bristle toothbrush
  • Floss daily
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and sugary, salty foods, and snacks
  • Avoid sticky and acidic foods
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • Schedule and keep regular dental visits
  • Change toothbrush every 3 months or after getting sick

Florida Department of Health's Dental Program

The Public Health Dental Program leads the Florida Department of Health's efforts to improve and maintain oral health of in Florida.
The program has four primary functions. It provides a statewide direction for policy related to oral health issues; promotes and administers oral health education and preventive dental programs;  collects and analyzes data on oral health; and supports the provision of direct dental care services through county health departments, and other public and private organizations.

Provides Direction on Oral Health Policy 

  • Researches and recommends policy change that can improve access to oral health care services in the state
  • Facilitates collaborative efforts of statewide oral health stakeholders in relation to oral health policy

Promotes Cost-Effective Community and School-Based Oral Health Educational and Preventive Activities

  • Supports school-based fluoride varnish and sealant programs
  • Encourages early childhood caries preventive programs using non-dental staff
  • Strives to integrate oral health into general health programs such as WIC, and other programs related to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity
  • Provides consultative and technical assistance to maternal and child health programs, school health programs, WIC programs, schools, state and federal government entities, community and professional organizations, and private citizens

Collects and Analyzes Oral Health Data

  • Monitors state and county oral health status, dental treatment needs, and utilization of dental services
  • Facilitates the continued development of an integrated, coordinated oral health system between the public and private sectors
  • Evaluates and promotes the development of efficient and effective programs

Supports the Provision of Direct Dental Care Services

  • Promotes collaboration among statewide dental and other health care providers
  • Provides consultative and technical assistance to state and professional organizations
  • Provides technical assistance, evaluation, administrative support, and quality assurance guidance to CHD dental programs which include on-site facilities, mobile units, contractual arrangements, and teledentistry
  • Administers CHD categorical dental funding and administers dental contracts with a variety of public and private organizations

Resources