Oral Health Screening
Cavities are almost entirely preventable, yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they continue to be the most common chronic childhood illness in America.
Oral health screenings are important in identifying the oral health needs of students who might not have access to oral health services. School nurses often coordinate oral health screenings or dental sealant programs with community agencies to provide services to students. Additionally, school nurses may individually screen students during a health office visit when triaging students in need of oral health or dental care.
School Sealant Programs
Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating that, when applied properly to the chewing surfaces of molar teeth – not the entire tooth, protect against tooth decay and cavities.
One proven strategy for reaching children and adolescents at high risk for oral disease is through school-based programs that build connections with community-based oral health professionals. School-based dental sealant programs provide dental sealants on-site at schools using portable dental equipment.
The Basic Screening Survey for Third-Graders
Every five years, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) screens third graders for cavities. The Basic Screening Survey provides a snapshot of the oral health of Minnesota’s kids and information about trends in overall health, growth, and development. The tooth decay in Minnesota children webpage shares the most recent data obtained during the basic screening survey for third graders.
MDH Oral Health webpages provide additional information and resources.