DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 268
October 24, 2008
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Patricia I.
Wright Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Statewide
Dental Health Survey |
A statewide
dental survey of third-grade children will be conducted during the 2008-2009
school year by the Division of Dental Health, Virginia Department of Health. The
oral health survey will consist of a clinical screening using a disposable
dental explorer and mirror. It is anticipated that the open mouth survey will
take less than three minutes per child to complete. No X-rays will be taken.
The information from
the survey will be used to assist the Division of Dental Health in determining
the current status of oral health and dental needs and future program planning.
The results of this study will help to design programs to improve the oral
health of all
The Division of Dental
Health would like to conduct this survey between November 2008 and April 2009,
at a time that suits school schedules. Once approved by the superintendents,
the Division of Dental Health staff will contact principals for further consent
and scheduling. Sample copies of the letter to parents, the permission form,
and report form to the parents will be sent with the request for participation
to those school divisions that are selected.
Licensed
dentists or dental hygienists from the Virginia Department of Health will do
the examinations. Information will be obtained about dental decay, fillings,
immediate need for care, and dental sealants. Demographic information such as
age, gender, race, insurance coverage, and free lunch status will be obtained
from parents/guardians as part of a parental permission form. All information
for the individual will be kept strictly confidential; however, parents will be
notified of the results of the dental screening for their children.
School
level participation is encouraged. Oral health is an important component of a
child's overall health and can affect the ability of a child to concentrate in
a classroom or attend school.
Should
you have further questions, please contact JoAnn Wells, school-age oral health
education coordinator, VDH, 804-864-7777 or JoAnn.wells@vdh.virginia.gov or
Tia Campbell, school health specialist, at 804-786-8671 or Tia.Campbell@doe.virginia.gov.
PIW/tbc