A School Dental Hygienist's duties include:

• Performs the Pennsylvania State mandated dental screenings.
• Organizes and operates the school fluoride supplement  & dental sealant program.
• Provides classroom dental health education grades 1-8.
• With parental permission, provides preventative services to students within the school setting to  include dental cleaning, fluoride varnish treatments, dental sealants, silver diamine fluoride treatment.
• Acts as a liaison to link families with community dental health professionals and resources for dental care.

What preparation does a school dental hygienist need?

• A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license to practice dental hygiene. This license is granted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.
• A baccalaureate or master degree from an accredited college or university.
• School Dental Hygienist Certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
• A Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner license to perform preventive services.

Who is the West Shore School District's dental hygienist?

The District dental hygienist is Ms. Donna Murray ([email protected]).

• Dental sealants are clear or tooth-colored coatings that fill the grooves of back permanent teeth (molars) to keep out food and germs that cause cavities. 
• The procedure is done with sterile tools, equipment.  No drills, no numbing. 
• Teeth simply are wiped clean; a thin coating is painted on the tooth surfaces and dries resembling a white filling.
• No eating or drinking restrictions after placement. 

A Few Reminders to Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season:

• Practice good hygiene-Wash hands often.

• Replace your toothbrush after you've been sick.

• Choose sugar-free cough drops.

• Swish & spit after vomiting.

• Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth.

• Choose the right fluids- sports drinks in moderation to replace electrolytes.

• Drink lots of water for healthy teeth and body.
  
  A sneak peek of dental hygiene programs for 2023!!

                                       ……..Lumineer visits K-2 classrooms

                                       ……..Dental Sealant expansion to include siblings

                                       ……..Development of Sports Mouthguard Program