Oral Health Impact Project Partners with School District of Philadelphia’s Dental Initiative
Providing Comprehensive in-School Care for At Risk Students
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the Oral Health Impact Project?
The Oral Health Impact Project will bring comprehensive quality oral health care to children at the greatest risk for dental disease in the Philadelphia School District beginning in the 2007/2008 school year. OHIP will provide services for students in over 100 elementary, middle and high schools. OHIP will provide in school dental care and a network of accessible dental specialists. OHIP was founded by CEO, Dr. Lawrence Caplin, DMD, who is a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine, and was presented with the University’s Alumni Award of Merit in May 2005. He is also certified in forensic dentistry, and in the aftermath of 9/11, volunteered his time as a member of the Body Identification Team.
- How does OHIP distinguish itself from other programs offering dental care in the School District of Philadelphia?
Unlike similar programs which only provide preventative care - OHIP will bring comprehensives services that will also provide x rays, fillings, cleanings, sealants and more complex procedures. All services will be provided without waiting for an appointment. There will be consistent follow-up to make sure every child gets longtime care. OHIP has a proven track record of providing comprehensive quality dental care in schools across the country. Additional programs that provide the same level of care include St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and KidSmiles. OHIP is the largest of these programs covering over 100 schools ranging from elementary through high school.
- How do parents and students sign up for the program?
Students will be receiving consent form from their schools in the coming months. They will need to return the forms back to the schools. Parents can click this link and download a consent form they can send with the child at the school. Or they can call OHIP at 866-916-6447.
The dental program is available to all students. Screenings are free to students enrolled in the program. Comprehensive services such as a Dental Exam, X-Rays, Cleanings, Fillings, Topical Fluoride Applications, and Preventative Sealants are available to all enrolled students and are not mandatory or free. They will be paid for by Pennsylvania Medicaid, BCHIP, private insurance or self-pay as in any other private dental practice. OHIP can assist parents in enrolling in the Pennsylvania Medicaid Program or BCHIP if your child is eligible. A written notification of the oral health exam results and any treatment performed will also be sent home with your child on the day of treatment.
- What is the advantage of providing dental care within the structure of a school?
Offering in school dental services will have a major impact on one of our student’s greatest health issues. Because dental visits can be scary for kids - getting care in a familiar place eases that anxiety. Students also miss less class time when their treatments are being coordinated through their school.
- Is there a Dental Crisis among Philadelphia School age students?
Lack of finances, education, and transportation has led to a dental crisis resulting in 51 million hours of lost school hours per year in the United States. According to Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General, kids that suffer from dental issues are insecure and don’t talk, smile, or participate as often in school activities. Thus, dental disease is a “silent epidemic” because it often goes unnoticed in schools, children have limited access to dental exams, and they lack education about oral care and treatment options.
- Which kids are at greatest risk?
Children from low-income families have the most dental problems. 41% of third graders have untreated tooth decay and 14% suffer from pain and infection. The Surgeon General reports that children from low income families suffer from twice as many cavities as middle-class children. Lower income children are less likely to receive treatment because they may be uninsured and their parents cannot take time off to bring them to a dentist.
- What are the long term benefits of providing quality dental care for school age students?
Kids exposed to quality dental care are proud of their teeth and smiles. Higher self-esteem means greater confidence in all aspects of school and life. The habits that children learn through the Program are brought home to their families and, over time, to their own children. This helps “break the chain of dental disease.” Students who have been through our Program are more likely to pursue dental careers, which can help ease the dental shortage and, in turn, provide more high-quality care for communities.
- OHIP has made a commitment to provide scholarships and other ways to give back to the community.
Founder and CEO Dr, Lawrence Caplin, DMD said, “We not only plan to have a significant impact in addressing the silent epidemic of dental disease but also make a difference in the future of students in the City of Philadelphia.” To that end - OHIP has made a commitment to work with the School District of Philadelphia to provide internships and externships to inspire teens to pursue careers in dentistry and help dental students find creative and rewarding ways to give back to their communities. He is also the Founder of Caplin Family Charities, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing funding to a variety of oral health causes, including scholarships, internships and externships, and assistance in establishing Dental Homes
Interested in an Oral Health Program in your community or school
district? Contact us.
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