Dental Screening

Iowa law requires all children newly enrolling in kindergarten and ninth grade to submit a Certificate of Dental Screening to their school. Dental screenings help detect dental disease and promote the importance of oral health for school readiness and learning.

• Applies to kindergarten and ninth grade students only.
   
• A screening for kindergarten may be performed by a licensed dentist, dental hygienist, physician, nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
   
• A screening for ninth grade may be performed by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist only.
   
• Screenings performed by out-of-state providers are allowed.
   
• The Iowa HHS Certificate of Dental Screening is the only acceptable form.
   
• A screening for kindergarten is valid from age three years to four months after their enrollment date.
   
• A screening for ninth grade is valid from one year prior to enrollment to four months after their enrollment date.
   
• If families do not have dental insurance coverage or cannot pay for dental care, parents should contact the Johnson County Public Health I-Smiles Coordinator at 319-356-6042
   

Dental Screening Certificate

Certificate of Dental Screening Exemption