August 21, 2019 | Courtney Chandler - UConn Health

Statewide Public School Student Dental Screening Requirement Ensures No Child Falls Through the Oral Health Gap

With the new school year around the corner, faculty from the UConn School of Dental Medicine are reminding parents about the new law passed last year in the state of Connecticut recommending students have a comprehensive oral health assessment prior to school enrollment. Currently, the law requires that each local Board of Education requests that […]

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With the new school year around the corner, faculty from the UConn School of Dental Medicine are reminding parents about the new law passed last year in the state of Connecticut recommending students have a comprehensive oral health assessment prior to school enrollment.

Currently, the law requires that each local Board of Education requests that each public school child submits an oral health assessment. While parents can opt out of the requirement, it is recommended for those entering grades 6 to 10.

UConn’s dental experts agree that this law—which took effect on July 1, 2018—is a positive step towards improving the oral health of children across the state.

This requirement is a “good way to ensure that no children fall through the gaps” when it comes to oral health, says Dr. Karen Kemp-Prosterman, assistant professor of pediatric dentistry at the UConn School of Dental Medicine.

According to Kemp-Prosterman, establishing good habits early on to ensure that oral health is good and stable is important for prevention. Untreated dental decay can affect overall health and is one of the most common chronic illnesses among school age children—potentially causing pain, self-esteem issues, and missed school days.

Here are some other tips from UConn School of Dental Medicine to ensure that your child’s oral health is in tip top shape for the new school year:

  1. Pay attention to all food consumption: Even healthy foods can still break down into sugars when being processed in the mouth and lead to potential tooth decay.
  2. Brush twice a day and floss once a day: Brushing and flossing regularly with a good technique is the best way to prevent any oral health issues from developing.
  3. Complete a dental exam twice a year: Visit your child’s dentist to prevent future oral health issues.
  4. Establish a good relationship with your oral health provider: Establishing a good, regular relationship with a dentist is key to making trips to the dentist more comfortable and enjoyable.

To find a UConn dental provider, visit: https://health.uconn.edu/dental/.