New Jersey "Save our Smiles" Fluoride Mouthrinse Program

The New Jersey Department of Health Children's Oral Health Program administers a voluntary fluoride mouth rinse program, "Save Our Smiles" for children in high risk/high need areas of the State where the water is not optimally fluoridated.

The weekly mouth rinse program is conducted in the school classroom with
either the classroom teacher or school nurse, serving as mouth rinse program coordinator supervising student participation. At the beginning of the
school year the parent/guardian signs a consent form to have the child
participate. All Program supplies needed for the school year are shipped
directly to the school. Training takes place at the school to orient staff
to program guidelines and suggested implementation methods. Regional dental hygiene staff from the Statewide Children's Oral Health Program conduct a yearly visit to the school to assist in program implementation, identify and resolve program challenges, monitor compliance, serve as an oral health resource for staff.

The goal of the New Jersey Department of Health's voluntary fluoride mouth rinse program, "Save Our Smiles" is to improve the oral health status of high need/risk children residing in areas where the water is not optimally fluoridated.

For over 30 years, New Jersey has funded the "Save Our Smiles" voluntary
fluoride mouth rinse program. The Program serves children in high need/risk
non-optimally fluoridated areas. Students in grades 1-6 located in high need
areas as determined by a 35% free and reduced lunch rate and/or a NJ
Department of Education District Factor Group socioeconomic group rating of
A or B are eligible to participate. When the program was implemented in
1981,approximately 20,000 children were served. During the 2012-2013 school year, 96 schools participated in the program. Regional dental hygiene staff from the Statewide Children's Oral Health Program conduct a yearly visit to the school along with telephone follow-up as needed, to assist in program
implementation, identify and resolve program challenges, monitor compliance,
and serve as an oral health resource for staff. In addition, to assist
schools on a local, state, national or international level that plan to
implement a mouth rinse program and would like program guidelines, the
Department web site http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/oral/index.shtml
provides the "Save Our Smiles" Program Coordinator Manual. The manual is a comprehensive source of information on program implementation guidelines and suggestions.