Dental Exams
The Pennsylvania School Health Law requires a dental examination of every student upon original entry into school (Kindergarten/1st) and in the following grades:
- 3rd grade
- 7th grade
Documentation of completed dental examinations are due by the last day of the current school year in which they are due. Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s school nurse regarding a plan to meet the requirement.
Any dental examination completed on or after the first day of the previous school year will meet the requirement for dental examinations of students entering Kindergarten/1st grade, 3rd grade and 7th grade for the 2023/2024 school year.
If your child had a dental examination on or after the first day of the previous school year, that dental examination will fulfill the state requirement. Your child does not need to have another dental examination, but the Private Dentist Report of Dental Examination of a Pupil of School Age form (see link below) must be completed, signed by the dentist and include the date your child had the dental examination.
If you child has not had a dental examination on or after the first day of the previous school year, please take a copy of the Private Dentist Report of Dental Examination of a Pupil of School Age form (see link below) to your child’s next dental appointment. Once completed by the dentist, submit the completed form to your child’s school nurse or to the main office of the school in which your child attends (the secretary will see that the school nurse receives it). If you cannot access the form from the above below, a copy of the form can be obtained from your child’s school nurse.
School Dental Examinations
If you choose to have your child’s dental examination done by the school dentist, please notify the school nurse as soon as possible. Please understand that a school dental examination does not include cleaning, sealants, fillings, extractions, and/or x-rays, it is only a screening assessment. Once school dental examinations are scheduled, the school nurse will notify you of the specific date and time of your child’s examination.