The need for dental screenings in high schools and middle schools is urgent

Jefferson High School students receiving an oral health education before their dental screening

Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet high school and middle school students in Los Angeles often lack access to dental screenings. While many elementary school students receive these essential checkups through structured programs, older students are left without the same level of care. This gap in services can have serious consequences, as untreated dental issues can lead to pain, infection, and difficulty concentrating in school.

Some high schools have the advantage of having Wellness Centers on campus, yet not all of them offer dental services. This makes dental screenings even more urgent. For schools with a dental space, the priority must be informing students about the services available and encouraging them to seek care. For those without dental services, expanding screenings and forging partnerships is critical to ensuring students receive the care they need.

A student receiving a dental screening at the Wellness Center

The recent dental screening event at Jefferson High School on March 20 was a testament to this urgent need. Conducted at the school's Wellness Center by South Central Family Health Center, the event was supported by The L.A. Trust, which provided oral health education to students before the screenings. Approximately 50 students were examined; 10 of them were identified as having Level 3 (urgent) issues requiring immediate dental intervention. This number highlights the severity of the issue and the pressing need for expanded dental screenings in high schools and middle schools.

The L.A. Trust’s Oral Health Initiative has been working to address this gap since 2012, forging partnerships with providers to bring free oral health education, screenings, and referrals to children who lack dental care. Before screenings take place, The L.A. Trust’s oral health team provides engaging oral health education and videos to students to prepare them for their screening and arm them with knowledge they can take home and put into practice. Additionally, our Wellness Youth Advocates play a critical role in peer-to-peer education on campus, encouraging their fellow students to visit the Wellness Center and take advantage of available dental services. By fostering awareness and education, we aim to empower students to prioritize their oral health and seek necessary care.

There is an urgent need to expand dental screenings across LAUSD’s high schools and middle schools. School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), including Wellness Centers that have dental services are well positioned to lead this effort. While not all SBHCs currently offer dental care, expanding these services to more campuses would be a vital step toward improving student health.