Methods: An oral health screening and prevention program was designed and implemented into an existing school health program for students at two schools. Funding was sought, staff recruited, and equipment acquired. Data on children served, oral health status, and cost of program are collected.
Result: In the first six months of the project, 303 children who returned signed informed consent were enrolled in the oral health program. Services provided were screening, fluoride applications, sealants on all erupted permanent teeth and referral for treatment in those children that needed additional dental care. Caries data available for 237 children showed that 44.5% had experienced caries in one or more permanent teeth, and 37% had untreated caries indicating high need. No differences were seen in caries by gender and race. In 303 children 2990 sealants were placed. The cost of running the program for the first six months was 57 USD per child served.
Conclusion: The oral health program was successfully implemented and integrated into an existing school health program using minimal financial resources.