The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been very effective at implementing mandatory immunization screening within schools. Year after year, parents know that their child must get a physical examination and have the doctor sign and update medical records. Except for religious reasons, immunizations must be up-to-date or the child may not be allowed to return to school. Untreated dental disease is a growing problem that should be taken just as seriously as a medical disease in regard to its ability to harm the child.

In a new system, the medical and dental cards can be sent home together to be filled out and updated over the summer. The dental updates will make it easier to find the children who have real dental needs. Currently, several states have laws requiring or granting authority to require dental screenings, examinations or assessments for school-age children, and others have legislation pending.

It may be more necessary than ever to go where the children are—the schools. A dental hygienist on staff will make it possible to reach the children who have little or no access to care. Above all, parental education is imperative, as is empathy with situations that are sometimes difficult to understand.