A bill signed into law July 9 will allow the state to provide preventive dental care in Illinois schools.
Under the new law, proposed as Senate Bill 346 by Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services can establish a school-based dental program for out-of-office preventive care, such as teeth cleanings.
The bill was passed to improve the oral health of children, whose poor oral health is often associated with lower grades and attendance.
The new law will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.