Official Dental Service

The Dental Service of the health department, in collaboration with the Dental Health Working Group in the Oberbergischer Kreis, has made it its mission to prioritize dental health promotion among children and adolescents. The goal is to develop an awareness of dental health among kindergarten and school children and to prevent or detect dental damage and developmental issues early through appropriate measures.

To achieve this goal, the Dental Service provides the following offerings:

• Dental preventive examinations in kindergartens, elementary schools, and special schools

• Prophylaxis programs for children and adolescents

• Consultation on fluoride use in cavity prevention, implementation of local fluoride application

• Consultation offerings and informational events for parents, educators, and teachers

Additionally, the preparation of official dental statements for other public administration authorities is part of the Dental Service's responsibilities.

As part of the lower health authority, the Dental Service prepares assessments, expert opinions, as well as official certificates and attestations within administrative procedures. Clients are usually public administration authorities, such as aid offices, youth welfare offices, and social welfare offices. The official dental assessment, created based on the relevant legal provisions for public service and administration, serves as an expert report for clients in assessing a situation.

According to §54 Section 4 of the NRW School Act, students are required to undergo dental examinations as part of the school dental screening program. Participation in dental examinations in daycare centers is voluntary, requiring prior written consent from guardians.

If treatment-requiring findings or abnormalities are identified, guardians of the affected children receive notifications to arrange further examination, consultation, or treatment in a dental or orthodontic practice of their choice.

In cases of serious treatment-requiring findings or lack of treatment for such dental issues, a multi-level escalation system is implemented to support guardians in their duty of care and to identify risks to child welfare.