Children's Oral Health Initiative

The Children's Oral Health Initiative (COHI) was developed as a means to address the disparity between the oral health of First Nations and Inuit and that of the general Canadian population. COHI was launched on a test basis in Fall 2004.

COHI focuses on the prevention of dental disease and promotion of good oral health practices. The goal of COHI is to shift the emphasis from a primarily treatment based approach to a more balanced prevention and treatment focus. The initial focus for oral health promotion will be directed at three target groups:

• pregnant women and primary caregivers;
• pre-school children, 0-4 years of age; and
• school children, 5-7 years of age.

Health Canada expects that the COHI, once fully implemented in subsequent years, will result in significant improvement of the oral health in First Nations and Inuit.

To obtain further information about COHI please contact us with your questions and/or comments.