I-SMILE: Iowa’s Dental Home Project
- Improving the dental support system for families
- Improving the dental Medicaid program
- Implementing recruitment and retention strategies for underserved areas
- Integrating dental services into rural and critical access hospitals
- Based on a dental home model
- Primary prevention and care coordination are the focus of the project, centered in the Public Health network
I-SMILE Coordinator in Washington County – Sheila Temple, RDH
School Dental Screenings
House File 906, which was passed by the 2007 legislature and is effective July 1, 2008, requires all children entering elementary and high school to have a dental screening
. The purpose of the dental screening requirement is to improve the oral health of Iowa's children. Dental screenings will facilitate early detection and referral for treatment of dental disease; reduce the incidence, impact, and cost of dental disease; inform parents and guardians of their children's dental problems; encourage the establishment of effective oral health practices early in life; promote the importance of oral health as an integral component of preparation for school and learning; and contribute to statewide surveillance of oral health.
Dental screenings will be provided by an integrated network of health care professionals to supplement Iowa's dental workforce. Regional I-Smile coordinators, serving at the "hub" of this network, will partner with schools to assist students who need a screening.
Other questions regarding school screenings, click here
School-based Sealant Program
- Offered to 3rd & 6th graders in Washington County
- Offered to 3rd & 7th graders in Henry County
- Parental consent form needed:
Washington County Sealant Consent Form
Henry County Sealant Consent Form
Forma del Consentimiento
- Oral health education provided
- Consent forms distributed through local school districts annually
- Area dentists volunteer to provide exams on-site at schools
- Public Health Dental Hygienist places sealants on teeth on-site at schools
- Assistance is given by Public Health staff for follow-up appointments with local dentists
Fluoride Varnish Program
Fluoride varnish has proven to be highly effective in strengthening tooth enamel and re-mineralizing areas of tooth enamel just beginning to show signs of tooth decay. Due to the sticky form of the varnish and the small amount used, fluoride varnish can be used on very young children.
Washington County sites providing fluoride varnish program include:
- Local preschools & day cares
- WIC clinics
- ACCESS to Care clinics
Services provided:
- Oral health education
- Dental screening
- Fluoride varnish application
- Referral to local dentists for treatment
- Parental consent form needed:
Fluoride Varnish Consent Form
ACCESS Clinics
- Prevention services for children 0-21 years of age and pregnant women
- Appointment needed (call 319-653-7758)
- Minimum fee of $5.00 for uninsured patients
- Sliding fee scale for patients meeting income guidelines
Services provided:
- Oral health education
- Prophylaxis
- Dental x-rays
- Dental screening
- Fluoride varnish application
- Referral to local dentists for treatment
Call or for more information about Public Health Dental programs.