Keywords

caries, oral health, primary care

 

Authors

  1. Jablonski, Rita PhD, CRNP, FAAN
  2. Mertz, Elizabeth PhD, MA
  3. Featherstone, John D.B. MSc, PhD
  4. Fulmer, Terry PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

Abstract: Oral health is directly related to systemic health, yet many Americans have limited to no access to dental health professionals. Nurse practitioners are in an excellent position to fill this void by providing caries risk assessments, chemical therapy to prevent progression of caries, and appropriate patient education to prevent caries.