Improving Access to Care Through School Oral Health Assessments

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground States across the country have recognized and prioritized the value of oral health for children by legislating measures such as the California Oral Health Assessment Mandate, which requires children to receive a dental screening when entering public school. Sometimes known as the kindergarten oral health assessment (KOHA), these screenings utilize a public health approach to link children at highest risk of dental disease to dental homes. Though challenges exist in implementing the objectives of these dental screening laws, myriad strategies have risen to meet these challenges. This article describes the goals of mandated school oral health assessments and examines some of the barriers to and strategies for increasing participation in and effectiveness of these assessments.Types of Studies Reviewed A summary of the literature related to the KOHA is presented, along with barriers and innovative approaches to its implementation.Conclusions The data collected through school districts’ KOHA result in collaborative approaches to emphasize and meet a community’s need for early dental care in the context of overall health.Practical Implications The KOHA plays a valuable role in combating the high prevalence of caries in the pediatric population. The barriers to oral health equity and access to care highlighted by KOHA screening data underscores the need for engaging the dental workforce in pursuit of contemporary approaches to ensure children with high caries risk are connected to oral healthcare providers in their communities.

Keywords

• Dental screening
• kindergarten oral health assessment
• public health
• oral health policy