Students can now get access to free, painless, preventative dental care through the Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile (SAS), which will come to your school to provide services.
Providing dental care in school buildings allows students to maintain attendance and prevent distraction due to dental pain. “Dental camps” are set up with portable equipment by providers. On-site set up usually takes one day or less with little to no burden for the school.
Principals should review the list of providers and contact them to be included in the state-funded program. Any student may participate with signed consent from parents or guardians. View list of providers at Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile Awardees.
Sealants are protective coatings that prevent harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay. Of third grade students, 1 in 5 suffers from untreated dental disease. Dental sealants can prevent 80 percent of cavities found in the back teeth where 9 in 10 cavities occur. Left untreated, cavities can cause discomfort or pain and can cause difficulty eating.
Wisconsin SAS, in collaboration with Children’s Health Alliance, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Delta Dental of Wisconsin, seeks to improve Wisconsin’s oral health by providing school-based dental sealants.
More information on the program, applications, selection criteria, and other preventative services can be found on the Wisconsin SAS website.
You can read more here.
