In 2005, the California Dental Association sponsored landmark legislation requiring oral health assessments for children entering public school for the first time (at kindergarten or first grade). The ultimate goal of this program is to establish a dental home for each child. The program will identify children who need further examination and dental treatment, and will identify barriers to receiving care. You play a critical role in ensuring the success of this program. It’s an important step in improving children’s oral health.
The assessment, or evaluation, can be met in many ways. It can be a complete examination and treatment plan performed by a dentist, or it can be a more basic oral health evaluation, such as a screening, which can be performed by a dentist, hygienist or an extended function registered dental assistant with supervision.
What follows is a Q & A designed to address common questions regarding the roles and responsibilities of dentists and office staff.
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