Programs
What is GigaGaaf-to-go!
Collaboration between Youth Health Care (JGZ) and oral care practices
GigaCool-to-go! is the project of the Ivory Cross, UMCG and TNO to improve oral health in the youngest children.
With GigaGaaf-to-go!:
- Clinics and dental care practices come into contact with each other and make agreements about collaboration.
- Parents of young children hear at the child health clinic about the importance of regularly visiting an oral care provider for check-ups from the time the first tooth erupts (from approximately 6 months old).
- Parents receive advice about which oral care practices they can visit.
- Parents hear that they do not have to pay anything for visits to the dentist or dental hygienist with children up to the age of 18 (with the exception of braces) and that nothing will be deducted from their deductible.
- Young children (from 6 months) come under the supervision of an oral care provider in a timely manner.
- Parents of young children receive early advice from an oral care practice about good oral care for children (advice on brushing teeth and eating/drinking).
- Are there more children in the Netherlands with perfect teeth?
From 2014 to 2023, the UMCG and TNO conducted the GigaGaaf! research. executed. This shows that the GigaGaaf! approach, in which the youngest children are guided to the dental care provider at the clinic, is effective for the oral health of children. We know that approximately a quarter of 5-year-old children in the Netherlands already have or have had cavities (caries) in their teeth. Thanks to the GigaGaaf approach, children 21% have fewer early caries at the age of 5. Caries is a habitual disease that can be prevented with the guidance of an oral care provider and with proper nutrition and good oral care. Read more about the background of GigaGaaf-to-go! bee Scientific background.
There are various on this website materials and step-by-step plans available to get a good start with GigaGaaf-to-go!