The remaining outcomes target the oral health of adults. As discussed earlier, these adult-oriented outcomes frequently have their roots in oral health practices begun in childhood. Surveillance efforts indicate the at-risk populations that should be the target of oral health education. Children and adolescents who are minorities, who are poor, and who reside in particular geographic locations are at greatest risk for dental-related diseases. Comprehensive oral health education provides opportunities for several components of the Coordinated School Health Program to work together.
Oral health involves the school nurse, who accesses dental health services from the community.
It involves school food services, which create nutritious meals for students. Comprehensive oral health education also involves the physical education program, which reinforces the importance of mouth protection during sports and recreation events. Finally, and perhaps most important, oral health education involves the health teacher, who provides essential knowledge and skills that promote good dental health. The teacher may wish to plan a curriculum that focuses on brushing and flossing, eating nutritious foods, protecting the teeth and mouth, and avoiding tobacco products. A look at these seven standards shows that only the first standard addresses knowledge.