Ohio schools to impose fluoride mouth rinse program this year Cleveland – The Ohio Department of Health has announced that it will re-start a fluoride mouthrinse program that is designed to “help eradicate dental disease for Ohio’s children.” The program begins in the upcoming school year. Last year, the Ohio Health Department halted the fluoride mouth rinse program after state legislators passed a bill that required health professionals administer any prescription medications given to children. In May, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed the bill and exempted the fluoride mouth rinse. The program will begin once the upcoming school year starts in September, according to Cleveland.com. The purpose is to target areas without enough fluoridated water. “Fluoride rinse programs are one tool to help eradicate dental disease for Ohio’s children,” said Executive Director of the Ohio Dental Association, David Owsiany. The program is paid for by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative is estimated to cost 25 cents per student per year. Schools will pass out cups of fluoride solution for five minutes each week in which they will “swish” and dispose in the garbage.
August 17th, 2010