Dental Services

The Department of Health (DOH) sponsors a School-Based Oral Health Program provides children at-risk for not receiving dental services with on-site access to care.  The Program provides free basic dental services to children at partnering DC Public Schools (DCPS), DC Public Charter Schools (DCPCS), and Head Start Centers/Early Child Learning Centers.  Participating schools/sites must have at least 50% of its student population enrolled in the national Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program.

Services are provided to children on-site using portable dental units and include:

• Sealant Application
• Fluoride Treatment
• Dental Screenings & Dental prophylaxis (cleanings)
• Oral Health Literacy, Education & Promotion
• Dental referrals

Services are provided by licensed dentists and/or oral health educators. All children must have a signed parental consent form in order to receive services.

Students who need more advanced care are referred to dental clinics and dental offices for further treatment.

Students at schools with school-based health centers can also get dental services on-site.  All new school-based health centers include dental services. For more information, please visit the School-Based Health Centers page on the website.

Related Resources:

• Association of State & Territorial Dental Directors
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• DC Dental Society
• American Dental Association
• National Primary Oral Health
• Children’s National Medical Center