School Based Dental Prevention Program
The School Based Dental Prevention Program (SBDPP) is a statewide; school based preventive dental program targeting children in grades kindergarten through eighth in Title 1 eligible schools. Portable equipment is used by dental staff to provide dental screenings, referrals, and follow-up to dental providers to address unmet dental needs in this population. Health education and preventive sealants are provided to the target school population as well as information regarding TennCare eligibility and the application process.
In 2009 and 2016, the Tennessee Department of Health's School Based Dental Prevention Program was selected by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors as a Best Practice Approach Model. In 2017, School Based Program was awarded the Tennessee Public Health Association Public Health Work Group Award of the Year, for making an outstanding contribution to public health.