Several of our prior posts have addressed the obligations of public schools in regard to student health under state and federal laws. A new law from Massachusetts demonstrates that schools’ obligations in this area may continue to expand, especially in regard to younger children. That law now requires all preschools in Massachusetts to ensure that children who eat a meal at the preschool, or attend for more than four hours, receive education about oral hygiene and brush their teeth at the preschool. More information about this law can be found here in a presentation by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. This law, which represents a significant expansion of the dental hygiene obligations that already are imposed on Head Start preschools, has caused some controversy in Massachusetts. Examples of this controversy can be found by clicking here.
