Dear Parent or Guardian:
Our school is one of 31 schools chosen to take part in the 2016-2017 Keep Smiling Vermont Dental Health Survey. The survey is being coordinated by the Vermont Department of Health, with support from the Agency of Education. A healthy mouth is an important part of overall health and a child’s ability to learn – this survey will help us assess the dental health of children in Vermont.
Children in Kindergarten and third grades are being offered free dental screenings as part of this survey. Your child is encouraged to participate even if you have a family dentist.
How the survey will work:
With your consent, a dental hygienist will look at your child’s teeth using a disposable mirror and a new pair of gloves for each child. The screening will take about one minute, and your child may stop the screening at any time. No sharp instruments will be used, no dental treatment will be provided, and no x-rays will be taken. Your child will get a free dental goody bag, and the results will be sent home to you. The screening does not take the place of regular dental check-ups by your dentist.
Your child will not be named in any report. Information about your child will be kept confidential – except when reporting is required by law, as in cases of child abuse or neglect. Questions and answers about the survey are included in the letter sent to you.
Please complete the questionnaire below. If you do not want to answer the questions, your child can still have their teeth checked.
Thank you for considering letting your child take part in the survey. If you have any questions, please contact Robin Miller, Oral Health Director at 802-863-7272 or Robin.N.Miller@vermont.gov.