Over 67% of Texas 3rd graders have experienced tooth decay. Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, but the good news is that it is preventable.
What is Texas Department of State Health Services doing about this?
DSHS works with schools and preschools to set up Oral Health Prevention Clinics (clinics) on campus. The clinics provide services to students from vulnerable populations who are less likely than other students to receive oral health care from dentists in private practice.
The goal of the clinics is to help prevent dental caries, educate students, and to collect oral health surveillance data.
What services are available?
- Limited oral evaluation
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride varnish application
Who provides this service?
Five Regional Dental teams throughout Texas provide services. These teams work with the school nurse or administrator to coordinate the clinic. Check the Regional-Dental-Team-Contact for the team in your area.