Waukesha Smiles: Dental Outreach to Low-Income Waukesha Children

Project Description Narrative:

The Waukesha Oral Health Assessment, a survey overseen by the Chief Dental Officer of the State of Wisconsin, showed an unmet need for primary and preventative dental care in two Waukesha County school districts. More than half of third-grade students had a history of dental caries, and among minority students, 36% were in need of early or urgent dental treatment.

This project will compare two-different school-based strategies for improving oral health among 3rd grade children in nine different elementary schools in Waukesha with high proportions of low-income students. With the gathered data, project partners will develop a how-to manual and resource guide of best practices to allow other Wisconsin communities to replicate the program.

Community partners: Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic, Woodland Dental Group