School-Based Oral Health
A school-based oral health program (SBOHP) provides preventive dental services within a school setting either by using portable or mobile dental equipment, or a fixed facility. Delivery of services also includes linkages to care at a site other than the school.
Children need good oral health to succeed in school, speak with confidence, and build healthy relationships with peers.
Poor oral health has been associated with lower school performance, nutrition and sleeping problems, and reduced success later in life for children with significant untreated oral health needs.
Colorado Basic Screening Survey
The OHU coordinates oral health data collection with schools around Colorado using a “Basic Screening Survey.” Please contact us to read the previous Basic Screening Survey for the 2016-17 school year.
Building a School-based Oral Health Program
School-based oral health programs can provide services to help prevent tooth decay, identify dental problems, and provide treatment referrals to decrease missed school hours. The most important step in starting a SBOHP is understanding the oral health and overall needs of your community, while also taking an inventory of what capabilities you already have to deliver oral health services. This is done through a needs and assets assessment.