Hawai'i Dental Service starts 'Dentist by One' program

KITV Island News with Lia Kamanā, March 13, 2022

In an effort to encourage children's dental health all year round, Hawaii Dental Service .started it's 'Dentist by One' program

According to HDS, the program is an easy way for parents to remember to take their keiki to see a dentist before their first birthday.

Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children see a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth – and no later than their first birthday.

Studies show oral health is linked to our overall health, and this is especially important for children who are still developing.

"We would like families to see early dental visits be as important as well baby visits," said Dr. Gavin Uchida, pediatric dentist and HDS Foundation program administrator.

In an effort to help parents find a doctor for their child, HDS has created a referral sheet that lists dentists on each island who see children. It also indicates which dentists take Quest/Medicaid insurance. CLICK HERE, for that list.

For those with an HDS plan, you can also go to the HDS website and click on “Find a Dentist” at the top of the web page. You can search by geography or type of specialty or other criteria.

If you have Quest or Medicaid, an easy way to find a Quest dentist is to call the HDS Medicaid/CCMC number at 808-792-1070. They can link you to a Quest dentist near you.

Keiki without sealants on their teeth have almost 3 times as many cavities, CDC says

Hawaii Public Radio Interview by Catherine Cruz, February 23, 2022

Click here to listen to Dr. Uchida on The Conversation.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month and there’s a campaign underway to educate families about an overlooked treatment: dental sealant.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, school-age keiki who don’t apply sealants to their teeth have almost three times as many cavities as those who do.

Statewide only about 15% of kids aged 6 through 8 are receiving dental sealants. Few parents take advantage of the preventive treatment when it's often covered by insurance.

Dr. Gavin Uchida, a pediatric dentist and administrator for Hawaiʻi Dental Services, works in collaboration with the state Department of Education to provide free sealant treatment.

"The program right now and through the past two years has successfully operated on Windward Oʻahu, and we're going to be going to Central Oʻahu very soon. It has also expanded to Maui, where we're seeing kids in Title I schools on Maui," Uchida told Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

"Soon we're going to be launching in Kauaʻi. And our intention is to also make it to Big Island and cover kids all over the state," he added.

The school-based Dental Sealant Program is provided at no cost. Screening and sealant application is done on participating Title I elementary school campuses to minimize the loss of class time.

"I hope the public all want to go and call their dentist now and schedule an appointment," Uchida said.

This interview aired on The Conversation on Feb. 23, 2022. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.

Dentist’s offices are reopening for routine care, with fewer patients at a time

Honolulu Star Advertiser, June 9th 2020

Dr. Gavin Uchida performs a dental exam on seven-year-old Mia Chong on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Blue Whale pediatric dentistry in Kaimuki. With the gradual reopening of businesses and services, a visit to the dentist requires new safety and health … — Dr. Gavin Uchida performs a dental exam on seven-year-old Mia Chong on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Blue Whale pediatric dentistry in Kaimuki. With the gradual reopening of businesses and services, a visit to the dentist requires new safety and health protocols to keep both staff and patients safe.

Slowly, but surely, dentist’s offices are reopening for routine cleanings and nonemergency procedures.

Since March many dentists — though considered essential in the state — had remained open only for emergency procedures while postponing nonemergency care under recommendations from the American Dental Association to help “flatten the curve.”

Gavin Uchida, owner of Blue Whale Children’s Dentistry in Kaimuki, opened his office for routine cleaning in late May, with new Plexiglas and guidelines in place.

Reopening was a calculated risk, he said, but one that he felt he needed to take in order to provide preventive care to his patients.

From a clinical point of view, preventive procedures are less risky than ones required to repair a tooth, he said.

“It’s not an easy decision,” said Uchida, who formerly served as dental director for the state Health Department. “I think it’s a calculation that every office has to make regarding minimizing any short-term risk related to COVID-19 and risk to patients, risk to staff and risk to yourself. You have to weight that against the long-term consequences of denying preventive care to your patient. If there are intermediate actions that a person can take to mitigate the risks and allow for the benefits, then sometimes that equation may equal out.”

Visits to his office are now spaced apart so there is no crossover between families. Although his wasn’t a high-volume dental office prior to the pandemic, the number that he sees is still much lower than previously.

“We’re seeing about half the number of patients we would normally see in a day so we can space out families,” he said. “Ideally, no family is crossing paths with another family. The first one will be in their car before the second one gets into the office.”

Patients are asked not to arrive more than five minutes early, and to be accompanied by just one parent instead of the entire family. They should also wear face masks upon entering, until ready to sit in the chair.

His staff is equipped with personal protective equipment as well, including masks, face shields, glasses, gowns and gloves, but not the full hazmat suit. The office is disinfected multiple times a day, and open only every other day.

“We’re minimizing procedures that kick up aerosols, if there’s a technique we can do to not have saliva and water vapor floating through the air,” he said. “We’re changing some procedures and delaying things we can delay.”

Megumi Chong of Mililani, the mother of two, ages 12 and 7, was relieved to be able to get them in for their routine cleanings at Blue Whale without delay.

“All the safety procedures were in place, so I felt really safe, and my kids, too,” she said. Coming from Japan originally, she said they were accustomed to wearing masks.

Article by Nina Wu, Photos by Jamm Aquino

Hawaii Dental Service says keiki dental check-ups a must ahead of back-to-school rush

HI now By Kenny Cabanting, July 02, 2019

Click on the image and watch the HI now story

It’s summer, and with many children out of school, it’s a good time to schedule a dental visit before the hectic back-to-school rush. A check-up helps parents and children identify tooth decay or other oral health conditions early, which helps to keep students in class during the school year.

Dr. Gavin Uchida is a pediatric dentist and administrator of the HDS Foundation and says a dental check-up is just as important as a physical. “Poor oral health can impact children in other areas of their development,” he explains. “There can be poor speech articulation, a reluctance to smile, and low-self esteem if tooth decay is left untreated.” The sooner a dentist can detect a problem and offer solutions, the better off children will be.

The role of a dentist is to serve as a coach for better health. A visit may involve a thorough check-up of a child’s teeth and gums, x-rays, cleaning or the application of sealants to help avoid tooth decay. If a dentist finds cavities, it’s important to take care of the problem and provide instruction on proper flossing and brushing to avoid cavities in the future.

Parents also play a critical role in shaping their children’s perceptions of a dentist. If mom or dad talks about a negative experience they may have had, this creates unnecessary anxiety and fear in a child. It’s also important that parents never use a dentist visit as a threat or punishment for a child who does not floss and brush regularly. Setting a positive tone for a dentist visit is the best way to help ensure children have a good experience.

As children get older, they become more vulnerable to a number of oral health problems. If teens participate in sports, they should wear protective mouth guards to protect their teeth. They should also understand the adverse impact of smoking and vaping, chewing tobacco, consuming sugary drinks, and other activities that can do great damage to teeth and gums.

If a child doesn’t have a dentist, the best way to find one in Hawaii is through word of mouth. Find out who other parents are comfortable with and consider making an appointment for your child with that dentist. The HDS website also allows you to find a dentist by geographical location, name, or specialty.

For more information: HawaiiDentalService.com, IG @hawaiidentalservice, FB: @hawaiidentalservice, Twitter: @hidentalservice

Teach keiki about good dental health during Tooth Fairy Fun Day

HI now By Kenny Cabanting, February 15, 2019

Get the family together and head to the 15th Annual Tooth Fairy Fun Day at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center on Sunday, February 17, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) holds this event so that families can have some fun while also teaching keiki how to better take care of their teeth.

Families can take part in games and educational activities themed around oral health. These include ways to teach kids that brushing and flossing aren’t just good for them, but they’re also fun too! And of course, kids will have the opportunity to meet the Tooth Fairy herself!

Dentists will also be at the event offering free dental screenings for children. The screenings help parents understand the importance of their children’s teeth and how to keep them clean and healthy. During a screening, dentists will take a quick look at their teeth and gums and share tips on maintaining good oral health.

Getting children excited to brush their teeth every day may seem daunting, but teaching keiki the importance of a healthy smile is crucial. Hawaii’s children still rank at the bottom of the nation when it comes to good oral health, and they have the highest prevalence of tooth decay. Tooth Fairy Fun Day is one of the ways HDS is trying to change this — with the goal of getting Hawaii’s children to associate good oral health with total body health.

Admission to Tooth Fairy Fun Day is free for the first 500 HDS members and 500 Medicaid members — just bring your Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) or Medicaid card. HDS is also offering all families discounted admission of $7.

About Hawaii Dental Service (HDS)
Hawaii Dental Service is the first and largest nonprofit dental service corporation in Hawaii providing dental benefit plans to more than a half million members. More than 95% of all licensed, practicing dentists in Hawaii participate with HDS, creating the largest network of dentists in the state.

For more information: HawaiiDentalService.com, IG: @hawaiidentalservice & FB: @hawaiidentalservice, Twitter: @hidentalservice

Helping Hawaii teens rethink sugary drinks

HI now By Kenny Cabanting, August 6, 2018

Sugary drinks are the number one source of excess calories in our diets, according to the Hawaii Dept. of Health. Drinking them too often can lead to serious health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes along with oral health problems. Hawaii’s teens are consuming more sugary drinks than any other age group, averaging almost nine per week, which can cause up to 10 lbs. of weight gain in a year. One way you can take action now? Have a glass of water instead of that can of soda or sugary coffies and energy drinks!

More information: www.RethinkYourDrinkHI.com

Hate getting cavities filled? SDF is minimally invasive dentistry.

HI now By Kenny Cabanting, August 14, 2018

There’s a tool to help prevent cavities that’s getting more and more attention. It’s called Silver Diamine Fluoride or SDF and can be used on adults and kids who don’t like to have their teeth drilled and filled at the dentist. Here are some reasons why the treatment might be right for you.

To learn more, visit the Hawaii Dental Hygiene Association’s at HDHA.NET

Free non-emergency dental care available in Honolulu to people without insurance

HI now By Kenny Cabanting, August 28, 2018

If you find yourself in excruciating pain from a toothache, don’t go to the emergency room. Aloha Medical Mission provides non-emergency dental care for free to anyone.

For more information: alohamedicalmission.org,

Prenatal Dental Care for Kids

HI now By Kenny Cabanting, August 10, 2018

The Hawaii Dept. of Health stresses that taking care of your child’s teeth starts before they’re even born. The American Dental Association recommends children see a dentist before they reach their first birthday for preventive care and to detect any problem areas early. Dr. Gavin Uchida, dental director with the Hawaii Dept. of Health, and Dr. Emilie Sumida, a dentist who practices in Wailuku, Maui, give us insights about the importance of early care for children’s teeth.

Improving dental care for Native Hawaiians

HI now By By Sherryl Takahashi, July 24, 2018

Having healthy teeth and gums have a direct impact on your overall health. While some people don’t realize this, others merely can’t afford the high cost of dental care. Native Hawaiians experience the most disparities in oral health, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. The agency is working with partners, like Papa Ola Lokahi, to take action in changing this.
For more information: papaolalokahi.org,

Improving Hawai’i's Dental Health

From Hawaii Public Radio

January 11, 2018

The last three national surveys of oral health have given Hawai’i a failing grade. Dr. Gavin Uchida is the new director for the Hawai’i State Department of Health. He is charged with creating a strategic plan to improve oral health across Hawai’i and is conducting a series of talk-story sessions to gather public input. Listen to the story at here.

Dr Uchida is charged with creating a strategic plan to improve oral health

Department of Health Leads Statewide Oral Health Screening

From Hawaii Public Radio

Reported by Wayne Yoshioka, October 17, 2017

A statewide coalition of health professionals, educators, business and community representatives are teaming up to record oral health data in Hawai’i. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.

Two years ago, the state Department of Health, Hawai’i Smiles Report, confirmed that 71 percent of 3rd graders had tooth decay, nearly one third were untreated and 7 percent were in need of urgent dental care. Today, a statewide oral health screening project is being launched to build on those findings. Dr. Gavin Uchida is the Health Department’s Dental Director.

“Over the next 4 months we’re gonna be screening every child who’s enrolled in a Head Start or an Early Head Start Center and we’re looking in their mouths and looking and seeing with our own eyes what their rates of pathology are related to dental cavities. And where areas in the state people are having treatment and kids are being seen and where they’re not being seen.”

Dr. Uchida and his team -- Photo by Wayne Yoshioka

Uchida says the data will used to educate lawmakers and help communities develop prevention strategies. A total of 3-thousand Early Head Start and Head Start students from birth to age 5 will be participating in oral screening statewide. The first location is The Towers at Kuhio Park with 100 students.

“Go Ahhh. Really big.”

Demi Pham, a first year pediatric dentistry resident is doing the screening. U-H School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene Assistant Professor, Deborah Mattheus, completes the diagnosis.

“This is Rea. She’s 3 years old. And the dental exam showed she didn’t have any untreated decay, no arrested decay and no treated decay. So the parents will get an information sheet that says that they had their screening today. So she actually had urgency was none for follow-up treatment.”

The Hawai’i Children’s Action Network is coordinating the statewide project. Deborah Zysman is the executive director.

“Teeth are life-long for your health. We know that children, if you have oral health issues, it’s difficult to eat, you have problems with nutrition and children have difficulty in school if they’re having issues with their teeth. Why we’re participating is, right now, we think that our children have really poor oral health but we don’t know much about it.”

Federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawai’i Dental Service Foundation will enable the coalition to complete the project. Shere Saneishi Kim is the Foundation director.

“Our mission is to improve oral health in Hawai’i. And so the foundation gave $137-thousand grant to the Hawai’i Children’s Action Network last year. This one was $43-thousand to do the Head Start and Early Head Start, statewide.”

Meanwhile, State Dental Director Uchida says the 4-month study will provide useful data on dental decay and oral hygiene but it will be limited in terms of offering broad-based solutions.

“While dental cavities are purely preventable and they’re related to simply too much sugar consumption and not enough brushing, the factors that contribute to that, are social complex factors and it takes more than just a simple recipe to try to solve what’s ultimately a social, cultural and a lifestyle problem.”

For HPR News, I’m Wayne Yoshioka.