School-Based Oral Health Program Launches in Delaware

Through the efforts of Delaware Smile Check (DSC), students attending public schools in underserved areas now have access to oral health screenings. Sponsored by the state’s Division of Public Health (DPH), this grant-funded program has benefitted more than 1,000 children at seven schools since its January 2017 launch. Oral health screenings are conducted by DPHemployed dental hygienists who provide oral health status reports for students’ parents/guardians after the screenings. Preventive treatment, such as fluoride varnish application, is also provided. DSC’s mission is to connect underserved school-age children with dental homes and to coordinate treatment for those with emergency dental needs. Since the introduction of the program just 3 months ago, 206 students have been referred for the treatment of caries and 217 students with an urgent dental need received help finding a dentist. The DPH plans to expand the program to 20 more schools prior to the end of the 2016-2017 school year, with expansion into additional areas with high numbers of underserved children slated for the 2017-2018 academic year.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. April 2017;15(4):12.