Program to Improve Community Oral Health (PICOH)
PICOH is oral health prevention and education for children and pregnant women that is grounded in evidence-based practices and has received national recognition.
PICOH encompasses four pillars:
in-clinic services for pregnant women and children 0-12 years old
community outreach
school-based dental sealant program
medical-dental integration program
In-clinic services for pregnant women and children 0-12 years old: Following a visit at the clinic, children and family members are invited to a family-friendly room with teaching aids, tooth models, puppets, books, and videos. Health educators trained in culturally competent approaches provide one-on-one, motivational interview-style instruction and anticipatory guidance focused on oral hygiene and proper nutrition, using interpreters when necessary. A caries risk assessment (CRA) is administered. Age-specific goals sheets are provided, and patients are encouraged to choose specific goals to reduce tooth decay risk and improve nutrition. Pregnant women are taught the importance of pre- and post-natal preventive oral health practices. What makes PICOH so effective is its commitment to educating children and family members in their own language in a culturally sensitive manner, understanding that different cultural customs have shaped how people practice oral health care.
Community Outreach: PICOH provides outreach in partnership with community-based organizations, providing oral health presentations and distributing free oral health kits and educational materials.
