Diana Cartagena, PhD, RN, CPNP, is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and director of the pediatric nurse practitioner program at ODU. Her research focuses on promoting breastfeeding and identification of feeding practices contributing to obesity risk in early childhood. Her professional affiliations include Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and Southern Nursing Research Society.
Infants who are exclusively breastfed are subject to vitamin D deficiency, which may affect enamel development an caries risk. Early interventions, including vitamin D supplements, may promote positive oral health outcomes.