Dental Screening now required for School Children in CT
The recent passage of House Bill 5213, requires every child enrolled in public schools to have an oral health assessment in addition to a comprehensive health assessment. This is something dentists have advocated for, as tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease. Beginning this year there is an additional form in the State of Connecticut Department of Education Health Assessment Record, that can be filled out by your pediatrician, their PA or APRN, your pediatric dentist or dental hygienist.
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a severe problem for young children, affecting 23% of children 2-5 years of age nationwide. By 6-8 years of age, the prevalence of dental caries increases to 56%. Low-income children are disproportionally affected, with 33% of low-income children experiencing 75% of dental caries. Dental care remains as one of the greatest unmet needs for children. In 2000, the National Association of State Boards of Education recognized “health and success in school are interrelated. Schools cannot achieve their primary mission of education if students and staff are not healthy and fit physically, mentally and socially.” Children with dental pain may be irritable, withdrawn, or unable to concentrate. Pain can affect test performance as well as school attendance. Children with poor oral health status are nearly three times more likely to miss school as a result of dental pain than their counterparts.
We consider this an important step in optimizing children’s oral health because proper screening and early care can prevent children from missing school, emergency room visits and hospital stays.
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