Back-to-school season brings shopping lists, activity schedules, registration forms, and health requirements. If your child is entering certain grade levels, an Illinois school dental examination should also be on your list.
Illinois requires students entering kindergarten and second, sixth, or ninth grade to receive a dental examination from a licensed dentist. This requirement applies to children attending public, private, and parochial schools.
Although the form is not generally due on the first day of school, scheduling an examination in August can help your family complete the requirement early. It also gives your dentist time to identify and address cavities or other oral health concerns before school schedules become more demanding.
Which Illinois Students Need a Dental Exam?
For the 2026–2027 school year, a dental examination is required for students entering:
- Kindergarten
- Second grade
- Sixth grade
- Ninth grade
The Illinois Department of Public Health confirms that the requirement applies to children attending public, private, and parochial schools.
Other students may not need an examination specifically for school compliance. However, routine dental checkups and cleanings remain important for children of every age.
When Is the Illinois School Dental Form Due?
The dental examination form is due by May 15 of the applicable school year. For the 2026–2027 school year, that means the deadline is May 15, 2027.
The examination must have occurred within the 18 months preceding that date. Therefore, a qualifying examination completed in August 2026 can satisfy the requirement. Parents should submit the completed form according to their school’s instructions.
Chicago Public Schools also states that kindergarten, second-grade, sixth-grade, and ninth-grade students must have an examination completed by a licensed dentist before May 15.
The deadline should not be confused with the beginning of the school year. Families do not necessarily need to submit the form before classes start, but completing it early can prevent a forgotten requirement next spring.
What Form Does Your Dentist Complete?
Parents should bring the official Illinois Proof of School Dental Examination Form to the appointment. A licensed dentist completes the form after examining the child, then signs and dates it.
The form records information about the child’s oral health, including whether untreated cavities, gum disease, sealants, or an urgent treatment need were observed. Once the dentist completes the document, the parent should retain a copy and submit the original or a copy as directed by the child’s school.
Ask your school whether it requires a paper form, accepts an electronic copy, or follows another submission process.
What Happens During a School Dental Exam?
During the examination, the dentist evaluates the child’s teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. The dentist may look for:
- Cavities or weakened enamel
- Gum inflammation
- Dental infections
- Damaged or missing teeth
- Bite and tooth-development concerns
- Areas that could benefit from sealants
- Conditions requiring additional care
This appointment can uncover problems that are not yet causing pain. Finding tooth decay early usually provides more treatment options and may prevent a small cavity from becoming a painful dental emergency.
Parents of younger children can learn more about establishing good habits through Chicago Dental 312’s early dental care services.
Does the Required Exam Include a Cleaning or X-Rays?
The required school dental examination is an evaluation. A professional cleaning, X-rays, fluoride treatment, or other preventive services are not automatically part of the legal requirement.
However, your dentist may recommend these services based on your child’s age, dental history, symptoms, and the date of their last visit. Combining the required examination with appropriate preventive care can make the appointment more useful and reduce the need for an additional visit.
Preventive Treatments to Discuss With Your Dentist
Back-to-school visits are a good opportunity to discuss ways to protect your child’s teeth throughout the year.
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They help prevent food and bacteria from collecting in the deep grooves where cavities commonly develop. Learn more about dental sealants for Chicago children.
Your dentist may also discuss fluoride, brushing and flossing habits, nutrition, treatment for existing cavities, or a custom mouthguard for children participating in contact sports.
Schedule a School Dental Exam in Chicago’s Loop
Chicago Dental 312 helps families complete required school dental examinations while providing approachable, personalized care for children and adults.
Our office is located at 25 E. Washington Street, Suite 1211, near Washington and Wabash in Chicago’s Loop. Early-morning appointments and select Saturday hours can make scheduling easier for parents who live, work, or attend school downtown.
Call (312) 263-5090 or request an appointment to schedule your child’s examination for the 2026–2027 school year.
