School-Based
Community Health Programs
School-based
oral health initiatives have been established to address dental disparities
among children enrolled in elementary schools in Lawrence, Boston, Chelsea,
Plymouth, Roxbury, Natick, and Framingham. Dental screening, placement
of dental sealants to prevent tooth decay, application of topical fluoride,
oral health education, and even restorative care have been implemented
in some of these programs. The ultimate goal is to continue to build
and expand school-based programs in elementary schools where oral health
is a significant health problem. As with the current school-based oral
health programs, this can be achieved through partnerships with community
and school leaders, the Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health, the
Boston Public Health Commission, the Community Health Program at Boston
University School of Dental Medicine, and any other available resource.
