The
long-standing relationship between Boston University School of Dental
Medicine (BUSDM) and the Chelsea Public Schools has developed into
a comprehensive school-based oral health program, providing oral health
education, dental screening, sealant and fluoride application, and
restorative care to the children of Chelsea, Massachusetts.
For over a decade, a BUSDM dental hygienist has provided oral health
education to each pre-school through eighth grade classroom in Chelsea,
and all students are offered dental screenings. Three years ago, the
program expanded to increase access to preventative services by offering
dental sealants to all second grade students, utilizing portable equipment
set up in the school nurses’ office. In the 2001 -2002 school
year alone, 760 sealants were placed on the teeth of 227 students.
In addition to classroom visits, the BUSDM opened the Chelsea School
Dental Center (CSDC) in the Spring of 2003, which is located within
the health suite at the Chelsea middle school. The CSDC provides care
to Chelsea public school students regardless of their grade level,
or ability to pay for services. Routine preventive care, radiographs,
and restorations are provided by a dental hygienist and pediatric dentist.
