Did you know that in the state of Illinois now requires that students entering the ninth grade are now required to get a school dental exam before entering high school? The new law went into effect on January 1, 2019. As before, the state still requires children in Kindergarten, second grade and sixth grade to have a dental exam on record whether they attend public, private or parochial schools.
School dental exams must be performed by a licensed dentist who signs the Proof of School Dental Examination form. You can access the form on the Illinois Department of Public Health website. Click here and download the form from the righthand column. The signed form must be submitted to your school prior to May 15 of the school year. Failure to do so can result in the withholding of your child’s report card.
Schedule Your Appointment Now
If you’re looking for a children’s dentist near Shorewood, then you’ve come to the right place. Instead of waiting until summer to schedule the needed appointments, you can knock the task off your to-do list now. School dental exams conducted anytime within the 18 months prior to the May 15 deadline are acceptable. Call now and you are more likely to get the day and time that works best for your schedule.
School Dental Exams: Tips for First-Time Young Patients
It is quite possible that the visit to meet the state of Illinois requirement may be your child’s first visit to the dentist. Based on our years of experience, it is a good idea to help your child understand what to expect (and probably address a few fears) before they arrive for the exam.
Here are a few tips:
Read books about what it is like to visit the dentist. Here are a few suggestions to check out of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library.
Doctor De Soto by William Steig
Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
My Dentist, My Friend by P.K. Hallinan
Bring your child to your appointment. Let your child see how easily you handle a dental exam. Bring them to your next visit and ask the hygienist and dentist to explain what they are doing.
Choose a special stuffed friend to come along. Have your child pick a small stuffed animal or other special toy to hold during the exam. We find that children do better in the exam room when mom or dad stay in the waiting room. But it’s always nice to have a friend with you for support.
Dentist for All Ages
At Shorewood Family Dental Care, our team of trained hygienists and dentists are trained to work with all ages. For questions about Illinois state school dental exam requirements? First visit to the dentist easier, please call us at 815-725-5991.
