As a hygienist, which postpartum intervention set is described as including an oral health risk assessment at 6-9 months, fluoride varnish initiation, and establishing a dental home by age 1?

• A. Oral health risk assessment at 6-9 months, fluoride varnish initiation, and dental home by age 1
• B. Remind mother to discuss oral hygiene with pediatrician
• C. Recommend holding infant during feeds
• D. Promote breast is best for teeth too

Answer: (A)

Infant preventive dental care should begin early with targeted actions in the first year. The option that combines an oral health risk assessment at 6–9 months, initiation of fluoride varnish, and establishing a dental home by age 1 reflects a cohesive, proactive preventive plan. Assessing risk early identifies which infants need closer follow-up or tailored advice, fluoride varnish provides a proven, easy-to-administer protective measure against caries, and establishing a dental home by age 1 ensures ongoing access to care, routine examinations, and continued preventive services. This integrated approach is more effective than simply issuing reminders or giving general statements, because it couples assessment, preventive treatment, and guaranteed access to care into a coordinated early-life strategy.