If I see one more tooth...

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...that is half rotted away from an untreated cavity, I might start crying. It makes me so sad and frustrated that there is nothing I can do. I call, plead with parents to take the child to the dentist, refer them to the health department's dental clinic if they are uninsured. I see the same kids over and over, c/o toothaches because their teeth are almost completely destroyed by decay. One little girl was rinsing her mouth and half of a tooth came out in the sink when she spit. It really breaks my heart.

Breaks my heart, if need be call CPS, medical neglect.

Just had to do this last week. Rotted teeth and swollen jaw. I even found a dentist who would see the kid. Nothing until DSS showed up.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

Have a student who has a nanny, chronic toothache with the comment from mom that he has a dental appointment in... add two months to current month. He has depleted my supply of Motrin and I have told her to bring in a bottle for him, no med yet. I feel bad for the boy, but c'mon now! You pay for a nanny, you can afford dental care!

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Unlimited sick days? (Cough cough) Good bye! The best way to get people to appreciate everything you do is to not be there to do it now and then. In hospitals we get used to dragging ourselves in when we're at death's door. But your principal is chiding you to go home? I'd be burning rubber out of the parking lot.

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You are a mandated reporter. This is child neglect and each case should be reported to CPS.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

I usually make a call to the parents first. Those calls usually go one of two ways: The student is currently being seen by a dentist to correct those issues and the parent sends in documentation to back it up or the parent is clueless. If the parent is clueless then I advise to take to a dentist right away AND provide me documentation. If there is no reasonable attempt at follow through then it becomes a cps issue.

My state does an annual dental screening day in February with participating dentists for children up to age 12 where the can get cleanings, a tooth filled, and other basic services for free. I am always sure to send out that notice as soon as I get it -translated into Spanish too. I think that has helped not only get children seen but helps establish a relationship with a dentist.

I also keep toothbrushes on hand and hand them out freely to any student that needs one or asks me for one.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
Unlimited sick days? (Cough cough) Good bye! The best way to get people to appreciate everything you do is to not be there to do it now and then. In hospitals we get used to dragging ourselves in when we're at death's door. But your principal is chiding you to go home? I'd be burning rubber out of the parking lot.

This found its way onto the wrong thread!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, school nursing.

I currently have a ninth-grader who has a painful, decaying molar. We have seen her several times since December for this issue. A dental referral was sent home in December, and I called mom on Monday about it. According to her, she works six days per week, hasn't found a dentist who takes their insurance, etc. In the meantime, this student is having trouble eating, and coming to the clinic almost daily for a salt water rinse. Mom is supposedly taking off work next week, and will take her to the dentist. If she returns from Spring Break without a dental appointment, I am filing with CPS.

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