SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CLINIC’S - MOBILE VANS - COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Since 1981, New York State has embraced school-based health care as a valuable means to increase access to primary care for children and youth in underserved communities. By placing these centers and mobile vans at the schools, students are assured immediate access to dental services that would otherwise be difficult for them.
A school-based health center, as defined by the New York State Department of Health, is a delivery system of primary and preventive health located in a school and provided by what is known as an Article 28 (of New York State law) facility: hospital, diagnostic and treatment center, or community health center.
Through an agreement with the New York State Education Department, Article 28 facilities can apply for dental on their operating certificate and have Dental Clinic sites.
For information on School Based Programs, contact Mr. Tony Pennacchio at the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Dental Health (518) 474-1961
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
DENTAL BUREAU PROGRAMS
Oral Health, Physical Activity, and Nutrition Surveillance System
A surveillance system in New York State has been designed to monitor oral diseases and conditions, access to dental care, use of preventive services, assessment of physical activity and nutritional status in 3rd grade children.
This surveillance system -
- Assists public health officials in obtaining a better understanding of problems
- Allows policy makers to make a determination of the strategies for improving health
- Assists managers in evaluating programs; and
- Improves the planning and delivery of preventive and treatment services.
Dental Rehabilitation Program
The Dental Rehabilitation Program is designed to correct severe physically handicapping dental defects. Although it covers a large range of physically handicapping defects, such
as cleft lip and cleft palate, the greatest percentage of children with dentofacial deformities have severe malocclusions.
Children referred to the program are screened by an orthodontist at one of the 14 screening centers throughout the state. If accepted into the program, the child will receive orthodontic services to correct their malocclusion. Correction of these defects can remove obstacles which could impede educational development and raise ones self esteem. 
