DHS Announces Seal-A-Smile to Return for 25th Year
Successful program improves oral health by providing preventive dental services in schools statewide
As the 2024-2025 school year gets underway, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is marking the 25th year of its successful Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile program, which brings preventive dental services to children of all ages statewide. Led by DHS, in collaboration with the Children’s Health Alliance of
Students with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain and more likely to perform worse in school. In addition, poor oral health is linked to other chronic conditions later in life including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The 2022-2023 Healthy Smiles Survey found three in five third graders in Wisconsin had at least one molar that needs a sealant and one in four third graders had untreated tooth decay or cavities. Dental sealants can prevent eight out of 10 cavities in the back teeth, where most cavities occur.
Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile provides preventive services like dental sealants and fluoride varnish treatments to children in participating schools. These services are conveniently provided during school and are free to all students regardless of insurance status. Seal-A-Smile also provides oral health education and case management for students needing to find care.
Find more information about Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile and learn how to sign-up your school or your child on the Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile program webpage.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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IF we can fix kids teeth in school WHY can we not provide therapy to all the kids who are being suspended. The vast majority have all been ABUSED and need therapy to help them HEAL