Dental Exams
The school-based dental program in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides all consented students with access to dental exams at no cost to families. Exams are comprehensive and include dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, dental sealants as necessary, and referral for treatment services if needed. If your child has a private dentist, he/she may still participate in this school-based dental program. Please consult with your dentist or private insurance to ensure your student can participate in our dental program.
Illinois law requires all Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade, and 9th grade students to have a dental exam completed by a licensed dentist before May 15 of the school year.
Sign Up for an Exam
To receive no-cost dental services at school, fill out and return the Dental Consent Form linked below to your student's school.
If your student already has a provider and you do not want them to participate in our the CPS dental program, fill out the Proof of Dental Examination form linked below and return it to your student’s school.
Collaborative Process With Our Dental Program for CPS Students
Students who have a healthy mouth can have a healthy start. The state requires for CPS to ensure that students in grades K, 2 , 6 and 9 have a proof of dental exam. Every school year we work to provide dental exams for students in need. If you have your own provider, please provide the school with the proof of dental examination form to update into our school database.
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Consent Forms
In partnership with CDPH, we provide Dental Providers who offer preventative services at no cost to families, as long as the student has a signed consent form.
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Coordinate
Once the school has collected the dental consent forms, the provider will work with the school to schedule the dental exams. Call your school to see if they will offer dental this school year.
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Dental Exam
Dental exams take place during the school day (about 15 minutes per exam) and each student is given a “Walk out Letter” with the result of the exam and if they need further treatment.
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Referral
Our providers make sure to provide families with referrals closer to home to help families find their medical home.
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Repeat
When we have a School Based Health Center and our CDPH providers collaborating it allows a system to establish dental care opportunities for students who need preventative and restorative dental services right at the school. For example, we are able to support Hibbard and Albany Park Academy students throughout the school year because of that partnership.
Fight Cavities with Silver Diamine Fluoride
Dental cavities are common in children, but now our dentists have a safe, painless alternative to traditional cavity drilling procedures called silver diamine fluoride (SDF). SDF is an FDA-approved antibiotic liquid used to help prevent cavities from growing or spreading to other teeth. The dentist simply brushes SDF on the decayed area of the tooth only. Our consent forms will now have SDF as an option with signature if parents decide they want SDF treatment done for their child.
For more information about SDF, read our FAQ below. Learn more about protecting your teeth by watching Fluoride: The Superhero of Cavity Fighting.
Health Centers and Clinics
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School-Based Health Centers
School-based health centers are primary health care sites located in schools or nearby schools. Services include but are not limited to: immunizations, physical exams, sports physicals, behavioral healthcare, chronic condition management, sexual and reproductive health care, and acute care. Students can access health services at no out-of-pocket cost. Most services require parent or caregiver consent. Some SBHCs are available to the community and to neighboring schools. Call ahead before making an appointment.
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Community Health Clinics
Federally Qualified Health Centers provide comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services as well as supportive services such as health education, translation, and transportation that promote access to health care. Centers provide services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay and charge for services on a sliding fee scale.