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Oral Health Assessment for Kindergarten/1 st Grade Entry. School Safety, Student Health and Human Services and Human Relations Committee March 22,2007. Background. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in childhood California Smiles Survey 2005 67% 3 rd graders have tooth decay
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Oral Health Assessmentfor Kindergarten/1st Grade Entry School Safety, Student Health and Human Services and Human Relations Committee March 22,2007
Background • Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in childhood • California Smiles Survey 2005 • 67% 3rd graders have tooth decay • 28% untreated and 4% in need of urgent care • Dental disease has greater impact on lower-income and ethnic minority populations • Dental disease is preventable
California Ed Code 49452.8 • Effective January 1, 2007 • Requires an oral health assessment for all children entering public school (K/1st) • Intended to ensure all students obtain access to a “dental home” where they can receive ongoing screening, prevention and treatment services
Responsibilities of the school • Notify parents of K/1st grade students re: the law and requirements • Provide Assessment/Waiver form • Collect and aggregate data • Districts must submit specified data to the COE each year
Collection and Reporting of Data • Schools will collect Assessment/Waiver forms by May 31st of each year • Schools will compile data from their school for District report • Schools will enter data in an electronic database by June 30th of each year (accessed through InsideLAUSD) • The District is required to submit data report to COE by December 31st
Intended Impact of the OHA • Raise awareness/educate • Establish dental homes for students • Assist in enrollment into medical/dental insurance programs (use of CHAMP) • Needs assessment of barriers to dental care • Data for advocacy
FAQs • Can a student be excluded if they don’t get an OHA? • No, the law does not permit exclusion for failure to comply • What if the family can not get an OHA? • Parents/guardians can request a waiver from the requirement and state the reason for the waiver • Can the school nurse provide the OHA? • No, only a licensed dental health professional • Does the OHA impact students this year? • Yes, schools will need to distribute and collect forms, and report data this year (2007)
FAQs • Who is responsible for aggregating data at the school? • A clerical staff person, designated by the principal, should collect and enter data into database • Can schools create a dental screening program on campus? • Yes, as long as it is complies with District policy (e.g., Volunteer Services Agreement in place) • How is this mandate funded? • Individual services are paid through Denti-Cal and other insurers; some free care; schools to be reimbursed for administrative portion (Prop 98)