Dental cavities are very common in children. More than half (63%) of 3rd-graders in the Chicago area have cavities! If cavities are not treated, they can cause many problems such as:

• Pain
• Severe Infections
• Malnutrition
• Speech Difficulties
• Poor School Performance
• Cosmetic Problems
• Lower Quality of Life

COordinated Oral Health Promotion (CO-OP) Chicago is working to fix this problem.

CO-OP Chicago is a series of research studies that are trying to find ways to improve oral health for low-income children. One of our studies tested a community health worker model. We are now following families over time to better understand their oral health and social needs.