Health Services / Dental Hygiene Services Program (DHSP)

Dental Hygiene Services Program (DHSP)

About the Program

Dental diseases are the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States and the major cause of loss of teeth in children and adolescents. Schools play a considerable role in the delivery of dental services to children. The school dental health program in Pennsylvania is an integral part of the total school health program. The goal of the Hazleton Area School District Dental Hygiene Services Program is to help each student attain and maintain a state of optimum dental health. The program requires the completion of dental examinations by a school certified dental hygienist licensed within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to the exam, the program goal is to educate the student in proper oral care, prevention of oral disease and sustaining good health. (Dental Examinations are state mandated in K, 3 and 7, in addition to new entries to the district.)

The Hazleton Area School District offers the services of the dental hygienist to provide an examination and complete the required paperwork at no cost. Permission forms will be distributed at school for the parent / guardian to select one of the following options:

**SCHOOL CERTIFIED DENTAL HYGIENIST - Throughout the course of the school year, students who wish to participate will be transported from their home school by school bus to the Hazleton Area Career Center to be examined by the school certified dental hygienist. This includes all private schools. Permission forms will be sent home at the beginning of the school year prior to the dental visit. On the top portion of the Permission Form (English); Permission Form (Spanish) select the line indication that you would like your child examined by the HASD Dental Provider.

The dental hygienist uses a sterilized mouth mirror and dental explorer to complete the examination. All standard precautions, including gloves and mask, are used by the hygienist. At the screening, a dental report (English); dental report (Spanish) will be sent home informing parent / guardian of the condition of the child's mouth. In addition, in every students file that was seen by the School Certified Dental Hygienist, the School Dental Health Record Form (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Department of Health) is retained.

**PRIVATE DENTIST- Student will have routine check-up performed at their own private dentist. Private Dentist Form can be downloaded and taken to family dentist at the regular visit and returned to your child's school. On top portion of Permission Form (English); Permission Form (Spanish) select private dentist and list name of your child's family dentist. The bottom portion of permission form or the private dentist form must be taken to family dentist to be completed.

Spanish Brochure

dental mirror Parents/Guardians MUST complete a Permission Form (English); Permission Form (Spanish) in Grades K, 3 and 7.

Kindergarten :

Students will learn about the importance of their teeth, loss of baby teeth, plaque, proper tooth brushing and healthy snacks. At the dental examination, students will receive toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss.

Third Grade :

Students will learn the parts of their teeth, types of teeth, chain of tooth decay and plaque. Students will also discuss what occurs at dental visits and how to maintain healthy teeth for the rest of their life. At the dental examination, students will receive toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss.

Seventh Grade:

Students will review all items discussed at Third Grade level along with proper oral hygiene and good dietary eating habits. Proper flossing and brushing techniques will be reviewed. At the dental examination, students will receive toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss.