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Oral Health Services

Annual Report

Suzanne W. Hayes, DDS, Director

Efforts by the Tennessee Department of Health have continued to improve access to dental services for low-income Tennessee children. Over the last fiscal year, the Bureau of Health Services of the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has continued to expand its dental program. Clinical dental programs have been enhanced through one-time special needs grants; preventive dental services are now provided statewide through a contract with TennCare which funds the School Based Dental Prevention Program; and at this time three mobile dental clinics are providing comprehensive dental services to children in remote underserved areas.

School Based Dental Prevention Project

school based oral health screening

July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010

This program is a statewide, school based preventive dental program targeting children in grades kindergarten through eighth in schools with 50% or more free and reduced lunch. Portable equipment is used by dental staff to provide dental screenings, referrals, and follow-up to dental providers to address unmet dental needs in this population. Health education and preventive sealants are provided to the target school population as well as information regarding TennCare eligibility and the application process.

The School Based Dental Prevention Program is currently operating in all 13 regions. Comprehensive preventive services were provided in a total of 306 schools. In the fiscal year 2009-10:

  • 130,947 children had a dental screening. 
  • From these screenings, a total of 27,077 children with unmet dental needs were referred for care. This is a referral rate of 21%. 
  • A total of 270,924 teeth were sealed on 48,445 children.
  • Also, 63,271 children received a comprehensive oral evaluation by a licensed dentist.
  • 32,611 of these children were on TennCare.
  • 173,171 children received oral health education programs at their schools by a licensed public health dental hygienist.
  • 133,236 children benefited from TennCare outreach activities.
  • 100% of the children identified as having a priority unmet dental need received follow-up.

The school based dental prevention program is designed to target preventive services to schools with 50% or more free and reduced lunch population.

Statewide Oral Disease Prevention Report
July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010
Program Number of Schools Number of Teeth Number of Recipients
General Screening 306   130,947
Referred for Treatment     27,077
Periodic Oral Evaluations     63,271
Dental Sealants   270,924 48,445
Oral Health Education     173,171
TennCare Outreach     133,236