Department of Health
John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, Commissioner

July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010

The School Based Dental Prevention 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.

In August 2009, the Tennessee Department of Health's School Based Dental Prevention Program (SBDPP) was selected by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors as a Best Practice Project and highlighted in the August 2009 Association of Maternal and Child Health Program newsletter, Pulse.

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, at a 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.

School Coordinated Health