( Part 1 of 2 )
As dental caries have become more prevalent in children , the need for improved dental care is quite evident . 1 To alleviate this problem , some states have adopted dental screening requirements for school-aged children . Upon first glance , this type of mandate may seem like an impactful step in the attempt to decrease the prevalence of dental caries . However , when these laws are analyzed , origins explored and effects considered , the benefits are not always clear . Although it is a public health measure that brings the issue of oral health into the spotlight , its further advantages are limited .
J A N / F E B 2 0 1 3 | P E N N S Y LVA N I A D E N TA L J O U R N A L 2 1