Kids need dental exam before starting school
By David Canale, DDS Special to the Camarillo Acorn

The beginning of a child's academic career brings excitement, fear, wonder and now, a visit to the dentist. Thanks to a new California law passed this year kindergartners and firstgraders can look forward to seeing their favorite dentist along with shopping for school supplies, clothes and picking out that perfect lunch box.

In 2006 the California Dental Association sponsored AB1433 (Emerson/Laird) which was signed into law in January 2007 as 49452.8. This landmark legislation requires that California children have a dental checkup by May 31 of their first year in public school, at kindergarten or first grade.

Dental evaluations that have happened within 12 months prior to school entry also meet this requirement. If a dental checkup cannot be obtained, parents may get an excuse from this requirement by filling out a form provided by the child's school. Copies of the required form can be obtained at the child's school or at cde.ca.gov.

Many things influence a child's progress and success in school and one of the most important is their health. Children must be healthy to learn and children with cavities are not healthy. Tooth decay is an infection that does not heal without treatment. Cavities are preventable. Yet they affect more children than any other chronic disease.

The law states that this oral evaluation can only be performed by a dentist, dental hygienist or registered dental assistant with supervision. If your child does not have a dentist and you are unsure how to locate a dentist the following resources will be helpful:

+Ventura County Dental Society, (805) 656-3166

+Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal's tollfree number or website can help you find a dentist who takes Denti-Cal: (800) 322-6384 or www.denti-Cal.Ca.Gov. For help enrolling your child in MediCal/DentiCal, contact your local social services agency.

+Healthy Families' tollfree number or website can help you to find a dentist who takes Healthy Families insurance or to find out if your child can enroll in the program: (800) 880-5305 or www.healthyfamilies.Ca.gov.

Early detection is the key. This is why the dental community is so excited about this legislation. The ultimate goal of this program is to establish a regular source of dental care for every child. We believe this program will also identify children who need further examination and dental treatment, and identify barriers to receiving care.

Canale has been coowner of a dental practice in Camarillo for 10 years.