School Dental Screening Requirement

Iowa law requires all children newly enrolling in kindergarten and ninth grade to submit a Certificate of Dental Screening to their school. Dental screenings help detect dental disease and promote the importance of oral health for school readiness and learning. Regional I-Smile Coordinators partner with schools to assist students who need help getting a screening or that have difficulty accessing follow-up dental care. 

 

Requirements Overview

  • Applies to kindergarten and ninth grade students only.

  • A screening for kindergarten may be performed by a licensed dentist, dental hygienist, physician, nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

  • A screening for ninth grade may be performed by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist only.

  • Screenings performed by out-of-state providers are allowed.

  • The Iowa HHS Certificate of Dental Screening is the only acceptable form.

  • A screening for kindergarten is valid from age three years to four months after enrollment date.

  • A screening for ninth grade is valid from one year prior to enrollment to four months after enrollment date.

Resources