Health Screenings

Each year, a state-mandated screening of vision, and hearing is done on all kindergarten and 4th grade students.  At Piñon Hills Elementary School, a dental screening is also performed on these students.  Fluoride varnish is offered to kindergarten students.  Parents are notified in writing if any areas of concern are identified and a more extensive evaluation is indicated.

If you have a concern about your child’s vision or hearing, please contact the school nurse.

More about Fluoride Varnish
 Q.  What is Fluoride Varnish?
A. Fluoride varnish is one type of topical fluoride. This type of fluoride is painted onto teeth, and it is left on the teeth until the morning following application, when it is brushed away. Fluoride varnish helps to prevent cavities by putting minerals into the tooth enamel, making the enamel stronger.
Q. Is Fluoride Varnish safe?
A. YES! Fluoride varnish is a safe and effective way to help prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish is “painted” onto the teeth and no fluoride is swallowed by the child. Although rare, children with allergies to colophony (colophonium) and pine nuts could have allergic reactions to fluoride varnish.
Q. What if my child gets Fluoride treatments at their dentist?
A. Children can have fluoride applied to their teeth up to four (4) times annually. Most children receive fluoride twice a year by their dentist, so having it applied at school is a way of getting extra protection. Ideally, the fluoride applications are done 3 months apart for best protection.
Q. Why is the school using Fluoride Varnish?
A. Oral health is an important part of overall health. Piñon Hills Elementary School is concerned with oral health, too. Since many children do not get to the dentist when they are very young and many small children have trouble brushing their teeth properly, the school can play an important role in giving your child fluoride treatments to prevent cavities.
Q. What does my child do after they get Fluoride Varnish?
A. The fluoride varnish may make your child’s teeth look yellow and dull. This is normal, and your child’s teeth will be white and shiny again once the fluoride varnish is brushed off the next morning!
REMEMBER: You must sign the consent form for your child to receive this valuable oral health benefit!

Your child should eat soft foods for the rest of the day. The fluoride varnish should be brushed off that night or the next morning.