case where government officials do not heed the advice of scientific evidence , which could eventually raise issues regarding public health malpractice .
Although it is difficult to imagine the government ’ s attempt at trying to decrease the prevalence of dental caries being seriously accused of malpractice , the previous argument serves to underscore the importance of reviewing the evidence and re-evaluating the purpose of programs which are introduced into the lives of all the children in the state . It would be prudent for government officials to remember the implications each law has for their constituents before considering such programs .
Discussion
These arguments serve to show the way the laws were derived and formulated predisposes them to be ineffective in achieving their goal . For these laws to have a significant impact on children ’ s dental health , they need to be reevaluated and restructured to address the dental issues and problems specific to each community .
In the United Kingdom , a National Screening Committee has been established to review all screening programs and advise government officials on such matters . It is important to note its recognition of a screening process as one in a series of steps required to identify those at risk . 8
The following list describes a process of measuring the effectiveness of any screening program :
• Identification of the target population .
• Identification of the ‘ at risk ’ population via screening test .
• Measurement of attendance of screened-positive individuals for a diagnostic test .
• Identification of the numbers of screened-positive individuals in need of treatment following diagnostic test .
• Measurement of the number of diagnosed-positive individuals receiving appropriate treatment . 8
Identifying these factors can lead officials to establish if the programs are targeting and benefiting the appropriate people . To supplement this , the committee has also come up with a list of standards to compare any existing or new programs by . The checklist includes consideration of the purpose , evidence , strategy , risks and benefits , local needs and cost among other points . 8
These checklists can be used to guide states to form dental screening programs that have the intended benefits , and perhaps further benefits ( i . e ., economic advantages ). Government officials need to work with dental and public health professionals to put their efforts into implementing the proper programs to improve children ’ s oral health status .
Sita Patel is a sophomore at Temple University ’ s Kornberg School of Dentistry .
Author ’ s Note : I would like to thank Dr . Lisa Deem for her guidance , advice and careful review of this article .
1 . |
Dye BA , Tan S , Smith V , Lewis BG , Barker LK , Thornton-Evans G , et al . “ Trends in oral health status : United States , 1988-1994 and 1999-2004 .” National Center for Health Statistics . |
Vital Health Stat 2007 ; 11 : 248 |
2 . |
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors ( ASTDD ) and the Children ' s Dental Health Project . “ Emerging Issues in Oral Health .” October 2008 . |
www . astdd . org / docs / FinalSchoolScreeningpaper10-14-08 . pdf . |
3 . |
Iowa administrative Code . § 641 — 51.1 ( 135 ) |
4 . |
Rules and Regulations of School Health Programs R16-21-SCHO § Part III , 14.1-5 |
5 . |
Conis , Elena . “ Steps to Improve Oral Health in Kentucky ”. Health Policy Monitor , April 2009 . Available at http :// www . hpm . org / survey / us / a13 / 5 . Accessed on : December 20,2011 |
6 . |
Kentucky Youth Advocates . “ Kentucky ’ s Cavity .” 2005 . Available at : www . kyyouth . org / Publications / 05 _ pub _ DentalCareReport . pdf . Accessed on : December 20 , 2011 |
7 . |
KM Milsom , et al . “ The effectiveness of school dental screening : dental attendance and treatment of those screened positive .” British Dental Journal 2006 ; 200 : 687 – 690 |
8 . |
KM Milsom , et al . “ Is School Dental Screening a Political or Scientific Intervention ?” Journal of Dental Research . 2008 ; 87 : 897 |
9 . |
Kevin W Ryan , et al . “ Law and the Public ’ s Health : Public Health Malpractice and the Obesity Epidemic .” Public Health Reports . 2007 ; 122 : 414 |
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