In Oregon, Kids Come First
When kids grow up healthy and ready to learn, families are stronger, and communities thrive.
About the Issue
We’re calling on Oregon to make sure every kid gets great care. It’s time for school-based programs to be in every school because every kid needs dental screenings and preventive services where they are.
How Oregon Measures Up
Oregon has one of the highest rates of childhood dental disease in the country. Nearly half of Oregon’s children have a cavity by age nine. About two out of every five cavities are untreated.
It’s time to make dental care part of our approach to keeping kids healthy.
Kids Learn Better
We want kids to do well in school and in life. Preventive dental services play a vital role in keeping them healthy and on a path to success. When kids are in pain, they miss school. They fall behind and their grades are lower. But when kids are healthy, they do better in school. They have a greater chance of graduating from high school. And with a healthy smile, they are more likely to get a job later in life.
Communities Thrive
Better access to quality, affordable dental care supports the economic security of families. It reduces the risks of serious health problems and increases opportunities for higher incomes later in life. When all our families are healthy and have economic security, our communities are stronger.
Families are healthier
Poor dental health affects the whole family. Too many families struggle to get the care they need. Kids and young adults end up in the emergency room. Parents miss days from work. Some go into medical debt from cavity treatments they can’t afford. Dental programs in more schools means families are stronger through better access to preventive services and referrals for treatment.
Oregon is Stronger
Dental health is directly connected to the overall health and well-being of all Oregonians. The cost of treating nontraumatic dental problems for children and adults in Oregon’s emergency rooms is approximately $8 million per year. Providing greater access to preventive care will mean fewer children going to emergency rooms, and fewer Oregonians in debt.
Why Have Dental Programs in Schools?
Dental programs in schools work. They bring preventive care, like dental check-ups and sealants, to kids where they are. They teach children how to care for their teeth. Families get the support they need to keep their kids healthy.
In one year, a school-based sealant program that serves 1,000 children can prevent an estimated 133 toothaches and eliminate the need for 485 fillings.
This efficient, cost-effective model prevents disease, teaches healthy habits for life and promotes academic success.
In one year, a school-based sealant program that serves 1,000 children can prevent an estimated 133 toothaches and eliminate the need for 485 fillings.
“Parents shouldn’t have to worry about getting dental care for their kids. It takes a lot of stress away when they find out there’s a program right in their kid’s school, with people ready to help. We’re saying to them that we care about your kids’ health and you’re not alone.”
Our History
Over the last five years, the Oregon Community Foundation has worked together with these organizations to bring dental programs to schools: A-dec, The Collins Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Meyer Memorial Trust, Northwest Health Foundation, Providence Health & Services, and individual donors at the Oregon Community Foundation.
We partnered with Coordinated Care Organizations and Dental Care Organizations, to serve 279 schools in 22 counties.
We helped thousands of Oregon kids get preventive services and referrals for treatment.
It’s time to build on this powerful model. We must continue to make sure kids get the best care to keep their mouths healthy.
Counties Served
We’ve served 279 schools in 22 counties—and helped thousands of Oregon children access necessary preventive services and referrals to treatment.
Our Impact
Over the past year, the programs provided:
27,500
sealants
23,500
screenings
6,900
fluoride treatments
25,900
students with oral health education
Our Supporters
We believe in the power of dental programs in schools. We support the Healthy Teeth, Bright Futures campaign, and are committed to work together to ensure school-based dental programs are part of Oregon’s health care delivery system.
Endorse the Campaign
Add your name to show your support for Healthy Teeth, Bright Futures and endorse the campaign.
For more information, please contact Shelley Shirley via email or call 503-303-5071.
