DC Back to School 2025/2026: Time to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Checkup!

The start of the new school year for DC public schools is just around the corner—Monday, August 25th, 2025—and the team at Solstice Smiles Dental is here with a friendly reminder: don’t forget to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental checkup! A healthy smile supports confidence, focus, and well-being in the classroom—and we’re here to help your child shine all year long.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Dental Visit

When you visit our Petworth office, you and your child can count on a warm, caring, and thorough experience. Here’s what we typically include during a back-to-school checkup:

• Comprehensive Dental Exam: Dr. Fitz will carefully examine your child’s teeth and gums, looking for signs of early decay, alignment issues, or other concerns that could affect their oral health throughout the school year.Dr. Fitz will carefully examine your child’s teeth and gums, looking for signs of early decay, alignment issues, or other concerns that could affect their oral health throughout the school year.
  

• DC Oral Health Assessment Form: In Washington, D.C., all students age 3 and older are required to have a dental check-up before starting school. Parents need to fill out the top portion of the DC Oral Health Assessment Form, and then take it to a dentist who will complete the rest after examining the child’s teeth. This form helps schools make sure kids are getting the dental care they need. The completed form should be turned in to the school or child care center along with other health forms before the first day of class. 
  

• Professional Cleaning: Our experienced dental hygienist will gently clean your child’s teeth, removing plaque and tartar to keep their smile fresh and cavity-free.
  

• Fluoride Treatment: A quick, painless fluoride treatment helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities—a simple step with lasting benefits.

Tips for a Cavity-Free School Year

While a back-to-school visit is a great start, dental health is a year-round commitment. Here are some easy ways to help your child maintain a healthy smile:

• Smart Snacking: Stock lunchboxes and after-school snacks with tooth-friendly options like crunchy vegetables, fresh fruit, cheese, and yogurt. These snacks support dental health and overall nutrition.
  

• Limit Sugary Drinks: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water instead of sugary beverages like soda, fruit punch, or sports drinks. Water not only hydrates but also helps rinse away food particles and acids that can cause decay.
  

• Dr. Fitz’s Tip: After birthday parties or special events, offer a crunchy carrot stick and a glass of water. This helps clean teeth naturally and reduces the chance of cavities from lingering sugars and starches.

Does Your Child Play Sports?

If your child participates in contact sports, now is the perfect time to invest in a custom-fitted mouth guard. Unlike store-bought options, custom guards are more comfortable and more likely to be worn consistently. We can even personalize them in your child’s favorite color!

Let’s Kick Off the Year with a Healthy Smile

We’re excited to welcome students back for a new school year—and nothing makes us happier than helping your child feel confident and cared for. Don’t forget to schedule regular dental visits for the whole family throughout the year to stay ahead of dental problems.

From all of us at Solstice Smiles Dental, we wish you a bright and successful 2025–2026 school year!

Schedule your child’s checkup today!