Visits to the dentist not only protect your child’s teeth, but they also ensure your child doesn’t need to miss school as a result of oral health issues like cavities! This is why the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education require children of certain age groups to have dentist appointments prior to the school year. (Though, we’d recommend your child have a back-to-school check-up regardless of their age!) Read on to learn more about this dental exam requirement and what you need to do to complete it.
1. If your child meets these criteria, their school will require that they have a dental exam.
If your child is entering kindergarten, 2nd grade, or 6th grade, they will be required to submit proof that they have had a dental examination within the last 18 months. This applies to all students in Illinois, regardless of whether they attend a private, public, or parochial school.
2. You will need to fill out one of two forms.
You will need to submit one of two possible forms if your child meets the above criteria. These forms can be found on the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health websites. The first is the Proof of School Dental Examination form, which is submitted to the school to demonstrate that your child has had their mandatory oral health exam. The second form is the Dental Examination Waiver—this is for students who are exempt from this requirement. Which leads us to our next point…
3. Some children may be exempt from the dental exam requirement.
There are a few circumstances in which children may be exempt from the dental exam requirement, and therefore can submit the Dental Examination Waiver form. They must meet one of the following criteria:
- They are enrolled in free and reduced lunch program and are NOT covered by private or public health insurance (such as Medicaid/All Kids).
- They are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program and are NOT eligible for a private or public dental insurance.
- If they are enrolled in Medicaid/All Kids dental insurance program, but there are no dental clinics in the area that accept this insurance.
- If they do not have dental insurance and there is no access to a low-cost dental facility in the area.
The intention of this waiver is to prevent any undue stress on parents and their children. Therefore, if you meet any of the above criteria, the waiver form is a great option for you.
4. Completing the Proof of School Dental Examination form is simple.
First, schedule your child’s dentist appointment with a licensed dentist. Then, print one of the two forms from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Illinois State Board of Education website. Bring the form to their dentist appointment and have them complete the form.
To schedule your child’s dentist appointment, call Manus Dental today!