School dental services to tackle major public health concern
View(s):The education ministry has issued a circular on carrying out a national programme to strengthen school dental
services.
The circular issued under the signature of Education Ministry secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that the programme is implemented in government and government-approved private schools, pirivena schools and assisted special schools to improve the oral health of students.
According to data from the 2015/2016 national oral health survey conducted in Sri Lanka, approximately 63 percent of children in the 5 year age group have been affected by early childhood cavities, considered a major public health concern prevalent among children.
Therefore the ministry is conducting the programme to prevent and manage oral diseases among students in order to reduce the risk of future health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Addressing oral health issues of school students can minimise disruptions to their education caused by dental diseases.
School dental therapists are attached to the relevant Medical Officer of Health Offices and serve in dental clinics. They provide services to children aged 3-5 years in preschools and to all students aged 5-13 years. Several dental clinics are available in schools within each district where dental surgeons attached to these clinics provide services to children up to 18-years-old, and in addition provide oral health, preventive and treatment services to school staff.
The ministries of Health and Education, and school principals are responsible for providing and maintaining infrastructure facilities for school dental clinics, including electricity and water supply.
(KW)
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