Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1136

Introduced
4/5/24  

Caption

In school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services.

Impact

If passed, SB1136 would have a positive impact on state laws pertaining to children's health by formalizing school-based dental health initiatives. It provides a framework for schools to ensure that students receive dental screenings, potentially leading to early identification and treatment of dental issues. The bill not only emphasizes the importance of dental hygiene but also supports public health by enabling local schools to utilize public health dental hygiene practitioners when necessary. This could result in improved health outcomes for children, ensuring that they have access to crucial dental services.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 1136 aims to amend the existing Public School Code of 1949 by enhancing the provisions for dental examinations and dental hygiene services for school-aged children in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that all children undergo dental screenings upon original entry to school, as well as in the third and seventh grades. However, it allows exemptions for school districts or joint school boards that have established their own dental hygiene programs approved by the Secretary of Health. This is intended to improve the overall dental health of students and ensure they receive necessary screenings at critical stages in their education.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1136 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among health professionals and advocates for children's health. Proponents argue that the bill addresses an important gap in the healthcare system, particularly for children from underserved communities who may not have access to regular dental care. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation of the bill, including the availability of resources and the capacity of schools to administer these programs effectively. Overall, the consensus indicates a recognition of the need for enhanced dental health services in schools.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve dental health services significantly, there may be contention regarding the workload it places on schools and districts that may lack the necessary infrastructure or staffing to carry out the screenings effectively. Additionally, questions may arise about the adequacy of dental programs in areas already facing resource constraints. Stakeholders may also highlight the importance of ensuring that these health initiatives do not become an unfunded mandate for schools, thereby impacting their overall educational budgets.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1478

In school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services.

PA HB1337

In school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services.

PA HB1078

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

PA HB562

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

PA SB720

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health and vision examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

PA SB780

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health and vision examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

PA HB2191

In school health services, further providing for vision screening and examinations.

PA AB1257

Dentistry: Dental Hygiene Board of California: Dental hygienists: Examinations and licensure.

PA H0517

Dentistry and Dental Hygiene Examinations

PA HB799

In school health services, providing for menstrual hygiene products.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.