This 16-page resource is designed to aid school nurses and others who work with school-aged children in the effective treatment of minor dental emergencies. The Missouri Office of Dental Health recommends all school health office staff review this practical guide before each school year so they are prepared to assess, treat and/or refer school children to the most appropriate oral health professional. Although first aid procedures should provide temporary relief, they cannot always solve the dental problem. Please consult with a dentist as soon as possible.
Tip: Check out and consider printing and posting the Dental Trauma Decision Tree (page 14) in your school health office.
Did you know that beginning in Fall of 2024, Missouri school nurses are encouraged to become calibrated oral health reviewers? This annual process enables nurses to get the resources they need to assess student oral health, provide grade-level education, share school oral health data to the state, and secure free resources for students, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, fluoride varnish and floss (grades 4 and higher). Learn more by going to the Preventative Services Program (PSP) website. Or, download the PSP FAQ (2-page PDF).
Related resources
Brushing Basics Activity Book (Downloadable 10-page pdf)
Preventative Services Program (PSP) Dashboard
Oral Health Guide Acknowledgments:
Bonnie S. Branson, R.D.H., Ph.D.
Michael D. McCunniff, D.D.S., M.S.
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry
Department of Dental Public Health and Behavioral Science