Dental Screening
Per Iowa law (IAC 641-51), all students entering kindergarten and 9th grade need to provide proof of a dental screening upon enrollment for school. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the purpose of the dental screening requirement is to improve the oral health of Iowa's children. Dental screenings help with early detection and treatment of dental disease; promote the importance of oral health for school readiness and learning; and contribute to statewide surveillance of oral health.
For kindergarten screening requirements: the screening can be performed by a licensed dentist, dental hygienist, nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. A screening for kindergarten is valid from age 3 years to four months after enrollment date.
For students entering 9th grade: a screening may be performed by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist only, and is valid from one year prior to enrollment to four months after enrollment date.
The I-Smile program provides screenings free of charge to elementary school children in Iowa. If you have a child in pre-k through 6th grade, watch for information in school announcements, written information coming home with your child, and the Virtual Backpack announcements to find out when this program will be at your child’s school.
For more information, please visit:
To print a blank Certificate of Dental Screening, please use the following link: https://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/userfiles/163/Certificate%20of%20Dental%20Screening%208-17-16.pdf