From the First Tooth partners with healthcare providers to help prevent dental disease among Maine children. The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend that every child have a dental home by age one.  For many children, the primary healthcare setting serves as a first dental home while accessing the child to a dental practice.  In Maine, many areas are experiencing a shortage of dentists  who are able to see children before the age of 3. From the First Tooth integrates early oral health prevention into medical practices with an oral health assessment, fluoride varnish application and parent counseling for children from the eruption of the first tooth to their three year well-child visit. The application of fluoride varnish is a quick and easy process that takes only a couple of minutes. During the well-child exam, the medical provider incorporates an oral health assessment and prescribe the fluoride varnish along with the vaccines. The medical assistants will  then apply the fluoride along with the immunizations. The fluoride is packaged in unit doses with a small brush that is used to apply the fluoride directly onto the child’s teeth. There is not preparation needed for this service. This procedure is currently covered by MaineCare at $12.00 for each application. MaineHealth is currently negotiating with private payors to get additional reimbursement opportunities in place for non-MaineCare children. Cost for the fluoride varnish is approximately $1 per child, the benefits far exceed the minimal cost.