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The Maine School Oral Health Program

Description

Tooth Decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. It affects 85% of children. Dental problems can result in failure to thrive, impaired speech development, absence from and/or inability to concentrate in school and reduced self-esteem. Poor oral health has been related to decreased school performance, poor social relationships and less success later in life.

The School Oral Health Program provides grant funding, training and technical assistance to eligible public and private elementary schools with activities being focused in Grades K through 6. Each program is locally designed to meet the needs of the individual students.

The Four Components of the School Oral Health Program

1. Education

   All children receive oral health education. Practical information to promote healthy behaviors is provided. Some features of the education include:

   • Grant funding to support the purchase of educational tools and supplies.
   • Printed curriculum: A comprehensive and sequential curriculum aligned to the Maine Learning Results.
   • Instructional tools such as posters, videos, pamphlets, models and instructional tubs as well as technical assistance from the Oral Health Program.
2. Fluoride

   Weekly fluoride mouth rinse is given to children with parental permission. The mouth rinse is swished for one minute and spit out. It strengthens and protects teeth that are already present in the mouth.

3. Dental Screenings

   Dental screenings are conducted by each funded School Oral Health Program at least once during each five year grant cycle. Dental screenings help to identify children who need dental care.

4. Dental Sealants

   Existing School Oral Health Programs may apply for funding to support school-based dental sealant programs. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted into the deep grooves of back teeth.They help to prevent dental decay by sealing grooves that are most likely to decay.School sealant programs are usually conducted by dental hygienists.

Helping Children Who Have Unmet Dental Needs

A model "Dental Referral Network" has been developed that may be used by schools and/or community groups to seek dental care for children with unmet dental needs. This model may be used throughout the state with customizing as needed. The model includes a description of steps that could be followed to develop a local referral network that could funnel children with unmet need into care by local dentists. As part of this model, a tracking system has been developed that could monitor the date a child was referred to a dentist, to whom, when treatment was provided and whether additional treatment is needed.

School Oral Health Program Resources:

School Oral Health Programs by County

Tubs By Topic

Tooth Times K-6 Oral Health Curriculum Description

Primary Smiles:
A Bibliography of Children's Books on Oral Health

Related Links:

Maine Nutrition Network

Coordinating School Health Programs

School Health Advisory Committee

 

 

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