December 11, 2018 — Among those age 20 to 64 years, more than 90% have at least one cavity and 27% have untreated tooth decay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to severe pain and discomfort. Dental diseases can start early in life and are chronic and cumulative in nature. Nationally, we know that dental disease is the most chronic childhood disease. An estimated 52 million school hours per year are lost because of dental-related illnesses. We also know that most dental disease is preventable and requires a minimum of time, money, and energy to prevent.
The objectives of the Reading School District Dental Hygiene Services Program are threefold: to provide students with early identification of dental problems, to educate students about the importance of dental health, and to provide students with the means of achieving and maintaining dental health throughout their lifetimes.
Through dental health evaluations performed by our certified school dental hygienists, dental problems can be identified early, making it possible for students to better recognize and understand their particular dental needs.
Through dental health educational programs, students gain a better understanding of the importance of dental health and the devastating effects of untreated dental problems, and as a result will adopt attitudes and behaviors that promote the prevention of dental diseases.
Through follow-up procedures, parents/guardians are notified about dental problems of their child(ren) and the availability of dental treatment facilities in our community, as well as insurance, transportation, and free dental clinic information.
The ultimate goal of the Reading School District Dental Hygiene Services Programs is to have all students attain and maintain a state of optimum dental health throughout their lifetimes.
Statistics for the Reading School District:
• Last school year, 16,704 students received dental hygiene services.
• Our referral rate decreased last year by 2%, from 31% to 29%.
• Our parental response rate increased considerably last year, from 58% to 72%.
• Last school year, 39 students were referred to the Free Children’s Dental Clinic (FCDC). Thirty-five of the students referred were classified by the school hygienist as needing immediate care. Ms. Mariluz Cintron, Regional Manager, generously supplied information about each clinic. With one clinic remaining, her reports indicate that the clinic provided 177 dental services equaling $9,719 to needy children, most of whom are enrolled in the Reading School District. Services included exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, pulpotomies, and extractions. According to our records, one student referred to the FCDC has completed treatment as of this date.
• For the past several years, the dental department has been working on a pilot summer sealant program. We have secured the necessary approvals and funding and are writing the operations manual now. Our Reading School District School-Based Summer Sealant Program is slated to begin in the summer of 2019.
• There are a multitude of reasons why parents are not seeking and/or following through with dental treatment for their child(ren). Both school hygienists work closely with school administrators, the certified school nurses, the Parent Outreach Assistants (POAs), and the FCDC to help parents navigate the dental treatment arena. In extreme cases, the school hygienists will refer families to Berks County Children and Youth Services (BCCYS). In 2017-2018 and 2016-2017 academic years, less than .03% and .07% of Reading students were referred to BCCYS.
— Dr. LouAnn Hohl and Mrs. Tanya Phillips, MSDH, RDH, PHDHP, CSDH, Reading School District’s Certified School Dental Hygienists