Oral Health
Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s Oral Health program helps prevent tooth decay, improve access to care, and educate families on lifelong dental health habits.
What does this program do?
- Provides dental screenings and fluoride varnish clinics to prevent tooth decay in young children and at-risk populations
- Delivers school-based dental sealant program “Happy & Healthy Smiles” to protect children’s permanent molars
- Offers oral health education for expecting parents, children, and teens to promote lifelong preventive habits
- Coordinates referrals and follow-up care for individuals needing additional dental treatment
How does this program benefit individuals and communities?
- Prevents cavities before they start, reducing pain and the need for costly treatment
- Improves school attendance and learning by reducing dental-related absences
- Supports families with limited access to dental care due to financial, transportation, or insurance barriers
- Empowers individuals and families with knowledge to care for their oral health
What is most important for people to understand?
Oral health affects more than just teeth—it impacts overall health, confidence, learning, speech, and nutrition. Preventive care and education can make a lifelong difference.
This program ensures that every child and family, regardless of income or access, has a fair opportunity to grow up healthy and pain-free.
What would happen without this program?
- More children would experience untreated tooth decay, leading to pain, infections, and missed school days
- Oral health education would be inconsistent, leaving families without essential preventive knowledge
- Families may rely on emergency rooms for preventable dental issues