School-Based Oral Health Program
The Manchester Health Department Oral Health Program began in 1970. In 1972, a mobile dental van was purchased with funding from the Model City Agency of the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development "for the purpose of improving access to preventive dental care for school children in the city of Manchester, NH." Poor oral health is associated with reduced school attendence and reduced learning time. The dental team is commited to provide preventative dental care to address community need and improve over alll health quality of life of Manchester residents.
In 2017, the acquisition of a new state of the art dental van with two fully equipped operatories was made possible through funding from the City of Manchester and generous donations from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation -Lois G. Roy Dickerman Fund and Northeast Delta Dental. Today, the dental van is used to provide no-cost dental care to eligible Manchester children at all 12 elementary, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, and Manchester School of Technology. In recent years, the dental van has begun to serve our older adult population at the Cashin Senior Center.
School Dental Program
The City of Manchester Health Department works together with the Manchester School District to bring dental care to children in need attending Manchester's public schools. Dental care is provided on the dental van at the school during school hours by a Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist, and when needed, a licensed dentist. Children are then referred to a community dental center for on going care. After the screening, children take home learning materials, toothpaste and toothbrush, and brushing instructions to help build healthy habits at home.
Permission and eligibility forms are sent home with each child on the first day of school. If you are interested in this program and have not received a form for your child please call (603) 624-6466.
Dental Van School Schedule 2025- 26
You may print out and complete the appropriate form(s) below and return to your child’s school Office Secretary/Administrator.
These forms are best printed on standard 8 ½ x 14 inch paper.