Oral Health Information
Oral Health Information
Hello Families!
We are thrilled to announce that Polished Dental will be visiting your child's school this year. This
program provides vital preventive dental care and is open to all students.
What Services Are Offered?
- Dental Evaluations by Registered Dental Hygienists
- Dental Cleanings
- Cavity-Preventing Sealants
- Silver Diamine Fluoride to halt cavity progression
- Fluoride Varnish Application
- Free Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Referrals to local dentists for further care
Important Details:
- Participation is optional. To participate, please fill out the yellow Polished Dental form that went home in your child’s backpack, or the online enrollment form, link below.
- Polished Dental is licensed by the Dept. of Public Health to be a Portable Dental Operatory.
- Polished Dental will not bill your child’s insurance for services that will impact their relationship with their dentist. Students can participate in the Polished Dental Program and get cleanings done at their regular dentist.
Access the Online Forms:
- English: Permission Form - English
- Portuguese: Permission Form - Portuguese
- Spanish:Permission Form - Spanish
For more information, feel free to reach out to Ellen Gould, Program Director
Thank you for supporting your child’s dental health!
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Dental caries (tooth decay) or cavities are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel. The bacteria on teeth break down foods and produces acid that destroys tooth enamel and results in tooth decay. According to the CDC dental caries remain the most common chronic disease of children aged 6 to 11 and adolescents aged 12-19. The foundation for healthy permanent teeth in children and teenagers begins during the first years of life. The development of caries in primary teeth increases the risk of developing cavities in permanent teeth. It is essential to establish a proper oral hygiene routine early in life to help ensure the development of healthy and strong teeth.
Students are given the opportunity to receive basic oral health services through the Fluoride Swish Program for grades 1-5 supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Polished Dental Program for grades 1-7. Students can sign up for both the Fluoride Mouth Rinse Program and the Polished Dental Program annually.
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Polished Dental builds healthy communities by improving children’s dental health where they live and learn. The Polished Dental Program works with schools and community partners to make certain it is easy for children and their families to get high quality dental care, which is critically important to their overall health and well-being. Polished Dental School Oral Health Program helps keep children healthy by bringing dental prevention right to their school.
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- A dental exam, which detects cavities twice a year
- Teeth cleanings twice a year
- Fluoride varnish to strengthen teeth
- Dental Sealants to prevent bacteria and food particles from getting caught in the grooves of teeth
- Guidance on how to take care of teeth
- Free toothbrushes and toothpastes
- Referrals to dentists for treatment of existing decay