The goal of the initiative is to begin preventive dental services for very young children to decrease the occurrence of early childhood caries and to provide simple and consistent oral health messages to parents and caregivers.

Dentists who would like to participate in this program must complete the First Dental Home training and certification.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) may also participate in First Dental Home. FQHCs that complete the training will be certified at the facility level. FQHC providers that bill THSteps will follow the standard FQHC claim submission process. The standard encounter reimbursement rate will apply.

Information about the locations and dates of First Dental Home training for THSteps pediatric and general dental providers is available on the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Oral Health Program web page at www.dshs.state.tx.us/dental/firstdentalhomeTraining.shtm .

For more information, call Dr. Dianne Forbes at 1-512-458-7111, ext. 3138.