For Immediate Release
Contact: Patrice Marshall McKenzie (213) 259-9763
School Board Approves February As Children’s Dental Health Month
LOS ANGELES (February 8, 2022) – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved today celebrating February as Children’s Dental Health Month. This recognition also confirms the District’s commitment to provide a safe school environment that promotes the health and well-being of students.
“Toothaches cause many of our children to miss school,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III, the sponsor of the resolution, said. “Untreated dental disease, unfortunately, is a significant, yet preventable, cause of absenteeism among our students.”
“Raising the awareness of oral health helps with student learning and attendance in schools,” Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said. “Los Angeles Unified is committed to the health and well-being of our students and our aim is to continue to promote the importance of oral hygiene and preventative dental care through educational activities and outreach.”
“Dental health is critical, so I’m glad that Los Angeles Unified is taking important steps to support our students’ health and prevent tooth decay,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “Supporting our students’ oral health will ensure they stay healthy and are able to learn.”
“We recognize February as Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness and reaffirm our commitment to support the overall health and wellness of all our students and families,” Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said. “Dental disease is almost entirely preventable, yet it remains the leading chronic disease among children and has been shown to negatively affect attendance and academic outcomes for kids. We will continue to lift up valued partnerships and provide these vital services because we know that better health is linked to a greater ability to learn and thrive in school.”
“In order to raise awareness of the importance of oral health, I have joined Dr. McKenna in introducing this resolution to highlight the value of dental screenings,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Like so many teachers and administrators in Los Angeles Unified, I have served in school communities where many families do not have access to dental care. Untreated dental pain and infections are a real obstacle to learning and very sad for our students. Oral health screenings for our youngest learners allows us to provide families a pathway to be proactive advocates for their children’s health.”
“Dental problems are a big reason why students miss school and it’s entirely preventable,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “Tooth decay impacts overall health, disproportionately affects underserved youth, and can impact children’s entire lives. Our holistic approach to student learning guides us to use our position to promote oral health and press for adequate healthcare for kids.”
“Dental and physical health play a vital role in the academic success of our scholars,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “As the second-largest district in the nation, we also have a responsibility to use our platform to educate and highlight the importance of maintaining good oral health. This resolution, in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, is a perfect opportunity to build and foster our relationships with our community partners to work together to remove barriers and build awareness with our families, especially with our historically marginalized communities.”
“The L.A. Trust is grateful to the Board of Education for recognizing the importance of oral health,” The L.A. Trust for Children’s Health Executive Director Maryjane Puffer said. “We recognize that the incidence and prevalence of dental cavities in our children was high before the pandemic and most of those numbers have doubled. The L.A. Trust is committed to supporting district staff in their efforts to improve oral health by providing oral health education to parents and students, supporting oral health screening programs in compliance with SB 379 (kindergarten mandated opt-out screening) and working with policy advocates and providers to ensure care is available and sustainable.”