School Based Dental Prevention Program

The School Based Dental Prevention Program (SBDPP) is a statewide; school based preventive dental program targeting children in grades kindergarten through eighth in schools with 50 percent or more of students receiving free and reduced lunch.
In 2009 and 2016, the Tennessee Department of Health's School Based Dental Prevention Program was selected by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors as a Best Practice Approach Model. In 2017, School Based Program was awarded the Tennessee Public Health Association Public Health Work Group Award of the Year, for making an outstanding contribution to public health. 

little boy

Portable equipment is used by dental staff to provide dental screenings, referrals, and follow up to dental providers to address unmet dental needs 

Health education and preventive sealants are provided as well as information regarding TennCare eligibility and the application process.


The School Based Dental Prevention Program services include:

  • Dental Education
  • Dental Screenings
  • Sealant Placement; and 
  • Dental Referrals

For those wanting a copy of the Shelby County SBDPP information and consent form select the link below:
School Based Dental Program Information and Consent Form – English 
School Based Dental program Information and Consent Form - Spanish

We also encourage parents to schedule their child’s first dental visit as soon as teeth are seen in the oral cavity and no later than your child’s first birthday.