Health Screenings

Children attending elementary schools receive an annual health screening provided by students in the UALR Nursing Department, Baptist Health School of Nursing, and the UAMS College of Nursing. Screenings are also offered to students in 6-12th grade during two annual events: Back-to-School Jamboree in August and Family Fun Day in April.

Dental Screenings

All children in the seven elementary schools receive an annual dental screening and toothbrush kits. Children do not have to be enrolled in Children International to receive this screening. However, parents must sign a permission form. The screenings are provided by the Office of Oral Health, Arkansas Department of Health, UAMS Dental Hygiene Clinic, Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas, St. Vincent East Clinic, and local volunteer dentists. Followup is available at Children International's Future Smiles Dental Clinic at Wakefield Elementary.

Sealants & Flouride Varnish

Dental sealants are a preventative measure to reduce the likelihood of dental decay. With portable equipment, Children International works with dentists, UAMS dental hygiene faculty and students, and dental professionals to provide sealants for children in all six schools during February. Dental sealants are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to seal out the food and bacteria.

Fluoride varnish, which is painted directly on teeth twice a year, is another preventative measure to reduce dental decay. To get the best results, it is recommended that children eat soft foods for the rest of the day and avoid brushing until the next morning.