A school-based oral health program in Moab identifies children with oral health needs and connects families to local dental clinics.
Why do school-based oral health programs matter?
Oral health plays a crucial role in a child’s well-being and can significantly affect their success in school. When children maintain good oral health, they are more likely to thrive both academically and socially. Oral health is an essential part of overall health, yet cavities are the most common chronic disease among children. Students with poor oral health are nearly 3 times more likely to miss school. Issues with oral health can affect speech development, eating habits, self-esteem, and social interactions. Research shows that children who have dental problems are more likely to struggle in school. They are more likely to miss class and less likely to do all their homework.
Moab school-based oral health program
As the school nurse for Grand County School District, Mary Frothingham recognized the gaps in care related to untreated dental decay in children. Mary eagerly accepted the opportunity to partner with the Brigham Young University (BYU) College of Nursing and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Oral Health Program (OHP) to provide a preventive oral health program at school.
Three dental days were scheduled during the 2024-2025 school year. BYU Family Nurse Practitioner students and faculty conducted oral health assessments for 2 days in November 2025. BYU Registered Nursing students returned in May to conduct another assessment and varnish event for students not seen in November. Additionally, students identified as high risk in November received a second fluoride varnish application.
“Working in a small district with limited resources, it is vital to build partnerships to bring critical services to our community’s children. The collaboration with BYU and DHHS has not only allowed us to provide these services but also gives us good data. We knew that addressing dental disease in children was a critical need, but now we have objective data to measure the extent of the problem. I could have not done this on my own – this has been a win-win for everyone involved.”
Mary Frothingham, Moab school nurse
BYU nursing students provided oral health education, visual dental assessments, and fluoride varnish. Oral health education was given in the classroom, and each student got a new toothbrush and toothpaste. Students brushed their teeth and received a visual dental assessment. Students who had parental/guardian consent also received a fluoride varnish treatment. DHHS OHP team members assisted the nursing students as they had questions or if dental concerns were noted.
“Working with Mary on this project enabled our students to gain hands-on experience in preventive care. It facilitated their understanding of oral health as a key component of overall health, particularly in at-risk populations. By conducting visual oral assessments and applying fluoride varnish, students not only gain clinical skills but also deepen their understanding of health equity, early intervention, and interprofessional collaboration. Several students stated that they “never realized how connected oral health is to chronic disease and school readiness.” One graduate student said, “Now I’ll always include a quick look in the mouth during my assessments—especially with kids.” This project truly puts oral health on their radar for the rest of their careers.” Janelle Macintosh, BYU Professor College of Nursing
Following the events, the school nurse used the assessment results to follow-up with families. Additionally she worked closely with a local dentist in the area. Together they ensure these children receive dental exams and access to appropriate care. Families with children who have high restorative needs or needing special care may be required to drive two hours for treatment. The remote location of the school remains a challenge, but the in-school oral health days help by identifying students with dental health needs and connecting families to dental care.
November 6 & 7, 2025: Dental assessment results
For this event, all students at school on the dental days in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade received a visual dental check. Students with parental permission also received a fluoride varnish application.
Urgent referrals are when a person needs to see a dentist in 2 days or less.
452 students received a visual dental check by a BYU graduate nursing student.
203 students received a fluoride varnish.
170 of the 452 students had identified areas of concern.
75 students received an urgent referral to a dentist due to pain or infection.
May 9, 2025: Dental assessment results
For this event, any student who was not seen in November and students from any grade who were identified as high risk of oral disease received a dental assessment. Those students with parental permission also received a fluoride varnish application.
- 93 students received a visual dental check by a BYU undergraduate nursing student.
- 91 students received fluoride varnish.
- 54 of the 93 students had identified areas of concern.
- 8 students received an urgent referral to a dentist due to pain or infection.
- Urgent referrals are when a person needs to see a dentist in 2 days or less.
Future plans
The school nurse plans to bring back oral health days in the 2025-2026 school year, with dates set for October 2025. This program provides a thoughtful solution for a rural community’s dental needs.
This project was funded by the Bates Family Foundation.
Help finding a dentist
If you need help finding a dentist, visit the Utah Oral Health Program website by going to https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/find-a-dentist-new/ or visit the Utah Medicaid website by going to https://medicaid.utah.gov/dental-coverage-and-plans/