A United Way Service
SMILES NAMED
NATIONAL MODEL PROGRAM
School Based Preventive Program: The SMILES Program
Sealing Molars Improves the Life of Every Student"
The school-based preventive program benefits children in Arlington and Mansfield elementary schools having 50% or more of their students on free or reduced cost meals. It provides dental health education, oral screenings and placement of dental sealant. The goal of this program is to equip children with the knowledge and tools for a lifetime of good oral health. We are currently serving 24 Arlington schools and one Mansfield school. DHA targets 2nd and 3rd grade students. These children generally have fully erupted permanent 6-year molars that are ready for dental sealants.
In a two-year research project, Solutions for America, the Pew Partnership for Civic Change learned that, after SMILES was started in designated schools, severe decay rates of low income children fell from 16% to 9% between 1994 through 2001. They also found that 40% of the 5,000 students served annually received one or more sealants, preventing decay in the chewing surface of the teeth sealed. Services were free to the children, but provided $220,000 of value in care to the community. Children who received SMILES demonstrated significantly higher oral health knowledge than students who did not have the program. Scores increased 34% on pre and post testing.
How the program works:
First Session: Dental Health Education
DHA Hygienists, dental assistants, and community volunteers use a scripted dialogue to teach good oral hygiene habits to students, including proper tooth brushing, good diet choices and the importance of placing dental sealants to prevent tooth decay. Each child receives a toothbrush.
A large group video session is followed by individual classroom lectures and hands-on participation.
Second Session: Oral Screenings
Volunteer dentists will assist DHA staff in doing an oral health screening "visual exam" of each 2nd & 3rd grade student. The status of the child's oral health will be sent home in written form, in English, Spanish or Vietnamese, to the parents and to the school nurse for follow-up. Children with needs will be referred to their Iocal dentists, and those who cannot afford private care may access the
Dental Clinic for free treatment.Third Session: Dental Sealants
Children screened and found to have healthy permanent first molars are eligible for dental sealants. Students who return the signed parental permission form may participate in the sealant project at school. DHA staff will set up portable dental equipment on campus and apply the sealants free of charge.
Sealant placement takes approx. 15 min per child, During the sealant project two children will be present at one time so that one child may be treated while the other observes. This is done purposely to educate about dental procedures and alleviate fear.
