Dental examinations

Dental health check-ups

The first dental examination takes place in the first year of preschool. In primary school, children have a dental exam every year.

The dental examinations in the second and fourth years of general and technical secondary education are not done by a dentist. These check-ups are done by the school doctor.

Dental examinations are carried out with the following objectives:

• early detection of tooth decay and cavities;
• detection of tooth alignment problems;
• monitoring of proper tooth and jaw development.

Early treatment of cavities and alignment problems helps prevent adverse effects on pupils' overall health.

The results of the screening exams are documented in the personal dental records that accompany the child from the first to the sixth year of primary education.

These records are used to monitor changes in the child's dental health. If problems are found, the child's parents are notified in writing.

Each year, aggregate statistics on changes in primary school children's dental health are produced. Data on the frequency of cavities is broken down by age and canton.

Dental hygiene education

All preschool and primary school children are taught about the importance of good dental hygiene. Education in dental hygiene is an important complement to the dental examinations.

Children are taught how to brush their teeth properly and eat healthily, and why it is important to see a dentist regularly. All good habits to empower them to take ownership of their health.