Dental disease in children is a common, chronic problem that impacts their ability to eat, sleep and attend to learning, according to the 2000 Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health. The report highlights that dental problems are more prevalent in certain racial/ethnic and socio-economic groups.

In 2005, as part of an oral health assessment conducted every five years, the Washington State Department of Health conducted a statewide oral health Smile Survey of approximately 8,900 preschool, elementary school, and Native American children. About half of Washington preschool and elementary school children were found to have cavities and/or fillings. Additionally, the state survey showed that children from low income families, children of color and children who do not speak English are more likely to experience dental disease.

In addition to the statewide report, the 2005 Smile Survey was also conducted locally. This report details oral health findings from the King County and Seattle 2005 Smile Survey. Overall, King County children experience less dental disease compared to the children in the rest of the state. However, as was found in the statewide report, dental disease continues to disproportionally affect children from low-income families, children of color and children whose first language is not English.

The oral health information from these surveys is intended to help communities understand the impact that dental disease has on children, and provide information that can be used to establish programs and create systems to address identified problems.