Integrating Oral Health into Coordinated School Health Programs Association of State &Territorial Dental Directors School & Adolescent Oral Health Committee

The Coordinated School Health Model has eight interactive components. Oral health is incorporated into each component.

ASTDD School & Adolescent Oral Health Resolution – 2007 Provides a foundation for integrating oral health into CSH  Oral Health is part of total health  A school’s oral health program may be a child’s only available source of dental care  Providing screenings, education, counseling, and collaborations with community programs promote continuity of care  ASTDD supports promotion of oral health through educational curriculum

Resources & Tools for State Dental Directors: Resolution Comprehensive brochure for Public Health Dental Professionals Letter & Brochure for School Principals, Nurses/School Health Professionals Curriculum Resources Assessment Resources Presentation on Oral Health Screening Presentation on Early Childhood Caries

Recommendations for Use of Resources:  Provide oral health screening/assessment training to medical & school health professionals  Promote the use of early assessment, prevention & referral services for at risk children  Promote sharing of resources through local level oral health programs  Distribute resources to school nurses & teachers  Promote oral health curriculum as key part of Coordinated School Health programs

Suggestions for Integration of Oral Health into each of the 8 Components of the Coordinated School Health Model ASTDD Best Practice Approach Report ASTDD Best Practice Approach Report

I.Health Education I.Health Education (for preschool to secondary grades)  Provide oral health education on oral disease & risk factors;  Promote tobacco cessation  Promote nutrition & safety

II.Physical Education  Promote mouth guards & headgear for injury prevention;  Expand education to community recreation and sports

III. Health Services  Provide oral health care - deliver sealants & fluoride varnishes;  Establish dental homes - make referrals;  Train school nurses - develop school oral health centers

IV.Nutrition Services  Increase recognition that oral health is related to total health ; –obesity & diabetes  Reduce consumption of junk food/sweetened beverages;  Promote in-school oral health self- care habits

 Increase awareness that oral health impacts self-esteem;  Inform counselors of unmet oral health needs/treatment Counseling, Psychological & Social Services V. Counseling, Psychological & Social Services

VI.Healthy School Environment  Establish school policy on tobacco use;  Promote safety from injury;  Adopt school nutrition policy

Health Promotion for Staff VII. Health Promotion for Staff  Provide in-service training;  Deliver safety and nutrition education;  Promote cessation of tobacco use among staff

Family & Community Involvement VIII. Family & Community Involvement  Prevent tobacco use;  Support preventive dental services;  Encourage oral screenings for first grade, middle, junior & senior schools

Additional Resources:  ASTDD web pages: School and Adolescent Oral Health (SAOH) & Best Practices  CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH)  State Oral Health Program web pages - hp&tier1=State%20Programs hp&tier1=State%20Programs

Nationwide, state led collaborative partnerships between schools and public health oral health programs will assure that oral health and prevention education are fully integrated into the Coordinated School Health Model, and will provide the foundation for promoting good oral health for all children. On behalf of the School and Adolescent Oral Health Committee, thank you for your continued efforts. Linda L. Koskela RDH, MPH, Chair SAOH