School nurses: Key contributors in the expansion of oral health programs serving children

Background: Oral health programs in school settings increase access to dental services for children who may not receive services in any other setting. Prior to 2000, only one Massachusetts community was served by a school-based sealant program. Methods: In 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted a statewide survey of school nurses to determine the number of oral health education, screening, and prevention programs in the state's public schools. Results: Of the 1,911 K-12 public schools that received the survey, 82% were returned (n=1,566). The preliminary results of the survey found that 165(8%) schools in 53(15%) cities and towns in the state reported school-linked or school-based oral health prevention programs (cleanings and dental sealants) being offered in one or more grades. Discussion: As front-line providers, children come to school nurses for a wide range of oral health issues, including oral health problems; and they play a key-role in the success of oral health programs whether they are school-based or school-linked. Conclusions: School nurses are important in the promotion of school oral health programs and have the ability to support the expansion of these programs to serve the neediest children.