Iowa Dental Exams for School

Where can I get a dental exam for school?

A dental exam for a child can be completed by a qualified health professional in Iowa.  Qualified healthcare professionals include family dentists, pediatric dentists, dental hygienists, doctors/physicians, and nurse practitioners. Adolescents must have their exam completed by a dentist or dental hygienist.  Examinations by professionals other than dentists do not replace the need for an examination by a dentist.

Why are oral exams required for school?

Toothaches can be painful in children, just as they are in adults.  Cavities are also the most common chronic disease in kids.  Cavities don’t always cause pain, but when they do it can impact a child’s ability to learn in school.  Tooth pain is one of the most common reasons for children to miss school.  When cavities are treated it can help reduce the chances that a child will miss school due to tooth pain.

What if my child has dental needs?

After a dental screening a child may need a more thorough examination.  Dental screenings do not replace a routine exam.  Some children may have staining in the grooves of teeth that appear to look like cavities.  Other children may have cavities between teeth that are not detected by a screening.  Screenings may help detect obvious problems which are more likely to cause pain, swelling or infection.  If a child has obvious problems our office is equipped to provide necessary care to correct the problem.  We offer fillings, crowns, extractions, nitrous oxide/oxygen therapy, sedation, and anesthesia services through Trinity Muscatine. Our full list of services is available on our website.

Our office will provide examinations for kindergarteners and ninth graders for any child or adolescent in Iowa or Illinois.  If a child has had a recent examination (within the last year) at our office please call us at 563-607-5979 and we will send the completed form to you.