Laws for special interests groups by special interests groups.

The following article appeared in the Northwest Herald.

This is a perfect example of how special interests groups have boarded the public education gravy train. This legislation was initially proposed by of all people surprise surprise a legislator who is a dentist. It is time for Citizens for Reasonable And Fair Taxes (CRAFT) to propose a law that all students must purchase one CRAFT chocolate chip cookie each month for the teacher union price of 10 dollars each. CRAFT would make a killing. This law shows yet again how must legislation is to benefit special interests groups and not the children. This is yet again taking parental care out of parents hands in putting in the hands of special interests groups and the public education system.

Deadline for children's dental exam looms

[published on Fri, Apr 14, 2006]


By ELIZABETH SABRIO

esabrio@nwherald.com

If your child has not been to the dentist in the last 18 months, you may need to schedule an appointment before May 15.

Children in kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grades are required to have a dental exam by May 15 of their school year, or present proof that one will occur in the 60 days after that date, following an Illinois law that went into effect last summer. The exam may have been completed within 18 months prior to the May 15 deadline.

Children may qualify for a waiver from the requirement if their parents or guardians can demonstrate an undue burden or lack of access to the dentist.

Securing dental health at a young age is vital to secure overall health in the future, Illinois State Dental Society President Dr. Joseph Hagenbruch said.

"The back teeth, or molars, usually erupt during 2nd and 6th grades, allowing dentists the opportunity to apply dental sealants following the exam and helping to prevent future cavities," Hagenbruch said. "It is so important for kids to start seeing their dentist for regular checkups at an early age."

Though the state suggested withholding report cards as one consequence of missing the deadline, Woodstock School District 200 decided against that measure.

"It is not that much of a deterrent," District 200 lead nurse Barb Matlak said.

About two thirds of the children in Mary Endres Elementary, where Matlak works, have presented proof of dental exams, she said.

To help parents comply with the new law, District 200 sent out letters last spring with their registration packets, reminded parents about dental exam opportunities over the summer, and even brought a dentist into schools to perform exams with parent permission in February and March. They mailed more reminders to parents before spring break, Matlak said.

All parents also get a copy of the school handbook at the start of the school year, which includes info on immunization and other health deadlines, such as the new dental law, District 200 Director of Community Services Barbara Banker said. The information is also available on the district's Web site.

For the rest of the story go to Northwest Herald.