Policy on School Absences for Dental Appointments

Policy statement

Recognizing that oral health is integral to general health and that oral conditions may interfere with a child’s school performance, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supports state law or school policy that allows the absence for the provision of oral health care delivery, including that of diagnostic, preventive, restorative, orthodontic, surgical, endodontic, and emergency health services. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents, education administrators, and dental professionals to work together to ensure that children receive oral health care while minimizing school absences.