Massachusetts Representative Sean Garballey introduced a bill (HD.781) on January 14, 2019 entitled “An Act relative to pupil dental health”. It proposes adding a recent dental screening (within 12 months) as a requirement for a child to enter kindergarten or start the school year. It also proposes that the public school and department of public health (DPH) share information regarding the importance of primary teeth and oral health, as well as accessing affordable dental care with parents.
The school and DPH would then be required to compile and share data regarding children screened, children who were unable to be screened due to financial or other burdens, children screened with untreated decay, and more.
We will continue to monitor the progress of this bill. The text of the bill is attached, as well as the link to view it. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/HD781
