Training for Primary Care Practices

To participate in the From the First Tooth program, you must complete one of the training options listed below. These trainings prepare you to incorporate oral health services into well-child visits, including oral health risk assessments, fluoride varnish applications, and referrals to dental services. View the options below to start supporting healthy smiles and healthy lives.

Training Options

Option One- 2026 Quarterly Training Sessions

From the First Tooth is now offering quarterly virtual training sessions for Maine based health care practices and Memorial Hospital, available for 1 CME/CNE credit. This option is recommended for providers who are familiar with the From the First Tooth program and want a live refresher, as well as practices that have already incorporated the program and want new staff to join.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the prevalence, etiology, and consequences of early childhood caries (ECC)
• Perform an appropriate oral examination on small children
• Use a Caries Risk Assessment Tool to:
  • Identify specific risk factors and protective factors
  • Document clinical findings
  • Recommend appropriate anticipatory guidance and timely dental referrals
• Discuss the effects, sources, and benefits of fluoride
• Advise families on strategies to prevent caries

Duration: One hour

Option Two- Request An Onsite or Virtual Training

Trainings typically include a CME training using the Smiles for Life curriculum, and hands-on training on the application of fluoride varnish as well as assistance with office flow and billing. To schedule a virtual or onsite training, please email: mhfirsttooth@mainehealth.org. This option is recommended for practices that have never engaged with the From the First Tooth program or have had significant staff turnover.

Option Three- On-Demand Trainings

For practices in Maine, including Memorial Hospital, please click here to access the on-demand training. This 45 minute on demand virtual training focuses on caries prevention, oral health assessments and fluoride varnish application. There is one interactive quiz embedded at the end of the training. The training concludes with a short demonstration video on the application of fluoride varnish and tips for implementing varnish in the office setting.
Duration: 45 minutes

OR

Complete the online Smiles for Life Course
This online course is part of a national oral health curriculum called Smiles for Life, and is available at no cost. The course focuses on dental caries (tooth decay) prevention. It offers a brief review of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and addresses how the use of fluoride is part of a comprehensive approach to a child’s oral health. Specifically, clinicians will learn the benefits of fluoride varnish and how to apply fluoride varnish and provide adequate follow-up care. This course is available for 1 CME/CNE credit.
Duration: 45 minutes

These two options are recommended for providers who have never engaged with the From the First Tooth program.