Rural School Nursing and Dental Health

Rural School Nursing 

Public health nurses teach prevention-oriented health lessons, conduct health screenings and referrals, and assess health concerns for rural schoolchildren. During the school year, a public health nurse travels to Wolf Creek and Canyon Creek schools to provide nursing services.

Health screenings and referrals for vision, hearing, and dental are conducted yearly. Assessment of immunization records each year ensures that all enrolled children are protected against childhood diseases as defined in state law.

Age-appropriate health education lessons may also be presented based on requests and needs of each school. Teachers consult with the school nurse about students' health concerns and conditions.

Good oral health is important for children's overall health. A public health nurse coordinates with other county school nurses, dental hygienists, and dentists to screen elementary school children for dental decay.

Local dentists volunteer to assess children at school. The school nurses then help coordinate dental care with the families, including providing resources for those families who are unable to pay for needed treatment.