Through school-based programs that provide preventive interventions including fluoride varnish and dental sealants, school are one of the many community locations where preventive dental care can be provided. School nurses are encouraged to conduct oral health screenings for students. Based on the screening, results, education, counseling, and referrals should be offered to students and families. Teachers, school nurses, and other school staff and personnel should also be encouraged to provide oral health education in K-12 settings.

Resources

• Public Health Dental Prevention Program
• K-12 Nurses - Screening Guidelines
  Students should receive school-based screening for oral disease (the presence of decay, pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, and/or soft tissue lesions) according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) school screening recommendations.
• Connecting Smiles Oral Health Standards-Based Supplemental Curriculum
• Puppet Show

South Carolina Oral Health Coalition

The Division of Oral Health (DOH) staff work closely with the South Carolina Oral Health Coalition (SCOHC) and are considered part of the oral health infrastructure in South Carolina. The South Carolina Oral Health Coalition (SCOHC) was formed in November 2003 with the purpose of developing oral health promotion and disease activities at the state and community levels.