Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed House Bill 2972, which requires Oregon children who are 7 years or older and beginning public school to show proof of having received a dental screening, according to an OregonLive report.
Here are five things to know:
1. State Rep. Cedric Hayden (R), who is also a dentist, said the bill was designed to identify children with dental problems and raise parents' awareness of the importance of oral health.
2. Some children will receive screenings at school, with their parents being notified of the results.
3. The school screening will not be full exams, and who will be conducting the screenings is under discussion.
4. The bill also requires school districts to report on the percentages of their students who did not submit dental certification.
5. The Oregon Dental Association believes the screening program will help to prevent dental problems for children in the state and will help dentists target their services to areas of the state where children most need it.
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