Bill to Expand Preventative Dental Services for Children SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D–Hayward) announced today that her bill, AB 834, passed the Assembly Health Committee with a bipartisan vote. AB 834 would provide additional preventative services for children participating in the California Dental Disease Prevention Program (CDDPP). Tooth decay is the number one chronic health problem of children – and it is completely preventable. According to the 2003 Health Interview Survey it is estimated that nearly 500,000 children in California missed school in 2003 due to dental problems. "Over 70% of California’s third graders are experiencing tooth decay. It is estimated that a million children are eligible and waiting for CDDPP services," stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi in her comments to the Committee members. "Too many children are suffering - we can do better." Left untreated tooth decay can lead to pain, nutritional problems, tooth loss, sleep deprivation, attention deficit, failure to thrive and slower physical and social development. AB 834 authored by Assemblymember Hayashi would focus the program on the use of the most effective preventative services. It would authorize the Department of Health Services to approve CDDPP contracts with preference to programs which access additional resources, including federal Medicaid and SCHIP dollars, to expand the number of children served. "With the governor and the legislature focused on health care this year, I am especially pleased to see the continued focus on prevention and school-based services," said Hayashi. “This program has a proven track record of effectively and efficiently providing care to children and is the perfect partner in helping us reach our goals to keep California’s children healthy. I am very delighted to have such overwhelming support for AB 834 from my Assembly colleagues." The CDDPP currently receives $3.3 million from the general fund and serves more than 300,000 California preschool and elementary school children annually. Hayashi serves the 18th Assembly District, which includes San Leandro, Hayward, Dublin, most of Castro Valley and Pleasanton, and a portion of Oakland, as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Cherryland and San Lorenzo. Contact a local dentist to learn more about how to maintain your oral heath!