Students in West Virginia public schools will participate in a prevention-focused oral health program, according to an Associated Press article.
The program, which will begin in the fall with the new school year, will focus on the particular needs of each student group from prekindergarten to 12th grade, the article explained. Marshall University registered dental hygienists are serving as regional health coordinators and will expand in-school dental sealant and fluoride projects and present oral health education training. They will also work with local officials on water fluoridation.
Among the program's goals is to find dental homes for families without dental insurance and help with upfront costs for those who need it, the story noted.
Although the program has support from the West Virginia Dental Association, the executive director noted that more needs to be done and that all new students should get an oral health exam prior to entering kindergarten or first grade.
