An annual program through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services returns for a 25th year.
The Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile program, led by the DHS, provides preventative dental care services to children of all ages statewide.
State Dental Director Dr. Russel Dunkel says tooth decay is the most common chronic disease experienced during childhood.
It can cause pain and discomfort, making eating or concentrating in class difficult.
DHS officials’ students are three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain and more likely to perform worse in school.
Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile provides preventative services like dental sealants and fluoride varnish treatments to children in participating schools.
Twenty-seven local programs across the state participate in the program and provide care in 60 countries.
The program serviced more than 86,3000 students last year and a total of over $17,000 in dental services.
