2026–27 Third Grade Smile Survey

• This survey screens third grade children in Pennsylvania. The sample of schools is taken at random and stratified by district size, geographic location, rural/urban status, and income status. The survey is representative of a statewide sample.

• We strive to cause as minimal disruption to the school day as possible. With each screening taking no more than one minute in length, the amount of time the screener will be at the school depends on the size of the third grade class.
• For example, a school with a third grade class size of 60 students will only require the screener to schedule 1-2 hours at the school. With the assistance of a school nurse, aid, or parent volunteer, the screener can quickly complete each smile check and each student can return to their regular schedule as quickly as possible.
• During the 2021-22 schools reported using extra spaces such as gymnasiums, empty classrooms, the nurses office, and multipurpose rooms for the screening. Only a regular chair is needed, the screener will bring all other materials with them.

• Screeners will send all children back to class with a letter detailing the findings and if urgent dental care is needed. If your child receives this letter, please schedule a dental appointment with a local dental provider as soon as possible. If you are struggling to find dental care, click here for resources.

• Results from this survey will be compiled into a report and published by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 
• No protected health information or identifiable data will be collected on individual children.

• In addition to contributing to statewide data to help improve oral health in the state, all third grade children will receive a new toothbrush and sticker, regardless of if they were screened.

• This is a project of the Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health with support and endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education.

• All screeners are licensed registered dental hygienists in Pennsylvania and are additionally certified as either public health dental hygiene practitioners (PHDHPs) or certified school dental hygienists (CSDHs). Copies of screener licenses, certifications, and clearances are available upon request of school administration.
• Trainers are trained and calibrated through training sessions provided by Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors.

• For a brief demonstration of the smile check, please refer to the above video.

• This survey screening is NOT related to the required screenings that PA requires in grades K/1, 3, and 7. The screening does not take the place of a regular dental checkup. No dental treatment will be provided.

• If a parent or guardian does not wish for their child to participate and receive a smile check, they must return the completed form to the school.

• Click here to view the parent form in Spanish. Please reach out to info@paoralhealth.org if you require the form be translated into any other languages.

This is the second time Pennsylvania is conducting a Smile Survey (Basic Screening Survey) of third grade children. The first survey took place  during the 2021-22 school year. These surveys are meant to be conducted every five years as funding allows. Many other states also conduct these surveys on third grade children as well as other age groups and populations per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Click here to view data and reports from other states.