Policy issues in early childhood caries.

Policy on early childhood caries (ECC) is assessed by examining the performance of governments, educational and research institutions, professional associations, and insurers. Generally, this review suggests that major players are aware of ECC as a significant pediatric health issue but that they lack sufficient political will or coordinated activity to address this problem effectively. The eradication of ECC will depend upon the development of new policies that are science based and reflect individual and population variability, the role of parenting behaviors, the impact of changing organization and financing of dental care, the contribution of public and dental education, and the need for integration with pediatric and public health efforts.