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Making Well-Visits Part of Your Back to School Plan

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National Back to School Month has been observed since the 1960s. This year, it may feel particularly special for you and our family. Depending on your community and circumstances, your kids may be going back to school for the first time in a long while, may be returning full-time, or may be continuing with your regular home-schooling plan.

No matter what school looks like for your family in 2021-22, it’s important to ensure your kiddos are up to date with their wellness visits. If you haven’t seen your children’s health care team recently, now is a good time to book well child checkups with your pediatrician and dentist. (While you’re at it, consider making appointments for your own checkups too!)

How often should kids get wellness checkups?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following schedule:

  • The first week visit (3 to 5 days old)
  • 1 month old
  • 2 months old
  • 4 months old
  • 6 months old
  • 9 months old
  • 12 months old
  • 15 months old
  • 18 months old
  • 2 years old (24 months)
  • 2 ½ years old (30 months)

At three years old, begin annual well child checkups, unless your pediatrician advises a different schedule.

For dental care, the Mayo Clinic suggests these general guidelines, based on information from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Care Association:

  • Six months to one year – schedule a child’s first dental exam after the first tooth erupts and no later than the first birthday.
  • Toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents – ensure your children gets regular dental checkups, typically every six months. However, the dentist might recommend fewer or more-frequent visits depending on your child’s risk factors for oral health problems. It is best to speak to your child’s dentist.

Why are well-child pediatrician visits so important?

Well-child checkups focus on prevention. Your child will get their scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. Their vital signs and measurements will be checked. A physical exam will be conducted to look for anything out of the ordinary, and to determine whether they are hitting growth and development milestones. Older kids may get screened for blood pressure, cardiovascular concerns and chronic conditions. The child’s own medical history and your family’s health history will be reviewed.

These things are probably exactly what you expect to happen, right? But child health care experts note that you and your child’s doctor should also use this time to discuss any issues of concern, from behavioral and educational concerns to sleep patterns and basic safety issues. If you have topics you want to discuss, you may want to make some notes about the issues you want to discuss with your pediatrician, so you don’t forget anything during the appointment. Ask your kids if there are any issues they want to talk about during the exam too.

Is a wellness check the same as a sports physical?

No, the exam your child may be required to take prior to participating in athletics typically focuses on whether it is safe for someone to play a particular sport. It’s more limited than a well-child exam. But you can ask your pediatrician or family doctor to conduct a sports physical as part of the well-child checkup. You will need to bring the required paperwork from your child’s school or sports association to the exam.

What happens at a dental checkup for kids?

Preventive dentistry is essential for everyone, but is especially important for kids. Regular checkups can help ensure a lifetime of dental – and overall – health.

During a preventive checkup, your dentist will check for cavities, tartar buildup, gum disease and bite alignment. You and the dentist may discuss preventive care such as topical fluoride treatments and sealants – which are painted on the surface of the teeth – to ward off tooth decay. Sealants reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80% for two years after application and 50% for up to four years after.

Your dentist can also monitor the spacing and alignment of your child’s teeth, and make a referral to an orthodontist if needed.

Dentists and hygienists can also help you and your child understand how to best maintain oral health at home, including careful and consistent brushing/flossing and good nutritional choices. What’s good for your teeth is typically good for your body, so taking care of smiles can result in multiple health benefits!

Managing Kids’ Healthcare Costs

No matter what back to school looks like for your family this year, getting those well-child checkups is critical to a child’s overall health. If budget is a concern, consider a dental savings plan, which can save plan members 10-60% on most dental procedures (including braces!). Many plans also come with other wellness savings, such as discounts on prescription drugs, hearing, vision, and chiropractic care, as well as 24/7 telehealth services. Family plans provide discounts to everyone in your household.

Learn more about dental savings plans here.

Let’s see what you can save.

See how quickly your dental savings plan can pay for itself. We automatically add preventive care.

Who is this plan for?

Any procedures coming up?

How many family members should be included?

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