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. PICOH materials are available in six languages (Burmese, English, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish).
Community Outreach: PICOH provides outreach in partnership with community-based organizations, providing oral health presentations and distributing free oral health kits and educational materials.
