UK - Check-ups at schools12th December 2007

Check-ups at schools12th December 2007
A new school-based dental service aimed at preventing tooth decay has been launched in Scotland.The Childsmile School programme involves dental care teams visiting primary schools to promote oral health and offer preventive treatment. With parental consent, children are offered twice yearly applications of fluoride varnish, which is painted on to their teeth by specially-trained clinical dental nurse teams.Public Health Minister Shona Robison launched the scheme in Fife, but it will be extended to other areas including Lothian next August. She said: ‘For the first time specially trained dental nurses will be going into schools and providing clinical care to children.'As the scheme progresses, other preventive treatments will also be available such as fissure sealants.The programme will also identify any children who would benefit from a more detailed examination and further dental care.

My son was violently sick when I in my early ignorance of its dangers had his teeth painted. It happened each time but the dentist assured my wife there was no connection between the painting of the fluoride and the immediate sickness.