GSLA Intern Webinar-CSPD GSLA Intern Webinar

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD) hosted its inaugural research showcase featuring pediatric dental resident “GSLA” interns presenting public-policy focused projects. Evelyn Voutian, CSPD’s public policy advocate, introduced CSPD’s mission and the internship program, which immerses residents in advocacy and includes participation in national and state advocacy days (Washington, DC and Sacramento), supported by mentors and the CSPD Foundation.<br /><br />First, Dr. Jodi Ching presented a 10-year review (2011–2020) of California’s Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (COHA) data. COHA, established in 2006 and required by law, aims to ensure children receive a dental assessment before/around kindergarten to connect them to a dental home. Using CDA’s publicly available county data, she analyzed assessment rates, untreated decay among assessed children, and waiver rates. Only 21 of 58 counties met inclusion criteria for consistent data and adequate sample sizes. Statewide assessment completion dropped notably by 2020 (likely influenced by COVID-19). She highlighted inconsistent participation, lack of dedicated funding, no Medi-Cal reimbursement for form completion, and access barriers. Recommendations included expanding school-based screenings, creating dedicated COHA funding/incentives, and sustained professional advocacy; she also discussed an AI-supported remote COHA pilot while cautioning it may reduce valuable in-person dental home connections.<br /><br />Second, Dr. Miley Osborne examined reporting of sedation adverse events in pediatric dentistry. She reviewed sedation levels, adverse event/near-miss concepts, and California laws (Caleb’s Law, SB 501) requiring reporting of deaths or unplanned hospital transfers within seven days. She compared available dental and medical reporting databases, noted major gaps (no centralized mandatory system or standardized definitions), and proposed strategies such as standardized terminology, centralized reporting, morbidity-and-mortality reviews, and resident-driven logging using tools like the TROOPS form.<br /><br />Third, Dr. Helena Tesma mapped California dental health governance, showing how federal, state, and local entities interact and how programs are funded, highlighting key revenue sources such as Prop 56, Prop 35, and local soda taxes, alongside concerns about proposed Medi-Cal dental funding cuts.<br /><br />The event concluded with appreciation for interns and mentors and a call for continued research and advocacy.

Keywords

California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD)

pediatric dental advocacy internship (GSLA)

Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (COHA) California

county-level oral health assessment data 2011–2020

Medi-Cal dental reimbursement and funding

school-based dental screenings and dental home access

pediatric dentistry sedation adverse event reporting

Caleb’s Law and SB 501 sedation reporting requirements

centralized standardized morbidity-and-mortality reporting (TROOPS)

California dental health governance funding (Prop 56, Prop 35, soda taxes)