Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-51.4 - [Effective 8/1/2025] Dental screening components
(1) A dental
screening is a visual assessment and is noninvasive and
nondiagnostic.
(2) Dental
instrumentation is not needed for a dental screening.
(3) A dental screening can identify obvious
or suspected oral health conditions that need or that might need examination by
a dentist.
(4) The dental screening
shall include the following steps:
a. Visual
inspection of the soft tissues, including the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor
of mouth, and roof of mouth, to assess infection or injury.
b. Visual inspection of all tooth surfaces to
assess tooth decay, white spot lesions, or injury.
c. Documentation of the screening and
treatment needs according to rule
641-51.8 (135).
Notes
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Exclusions to these rules are permitted on an
(1) Religious exemption. A religious exemption may be granted to an applicant if the dental screening conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief.
a. The certificate of dental screening exemption for religious reasons shall attest that the dental screening conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief and that the belief is in fact religious and not based merely on philosophical, scientific, moral, personal, or medical opposition to dental screenings.
b. The certificate of dental screening exemption for religious reasons shall be signed and dated by the applicant or, if the applicant is a minor , by the parent or guardian.
c. The certificate of dental screening exemption for religious reasons is valid only when notarized.
d. To be valid, the certificate of dental screening exemption for religious reasons shall be the department certificate or a form approved in writing by the department .
(2) Financial hardship exemption. A financial hardship exemption may be granted to an applicant who is unduly burdened by the cost of a dental screening.
a. The certificate of dental screening exemption for financial hardship reasons shall attest that dental screening would cause a genuine financial burden to the applicant .
b. The certificate of dental screening exemption for financial hardship reasons shall be signed and dated by a dentist , dental hygienist , physician , physician assistant , or nurse .
c. The certificate of dental screening exemption for financial hardship reasons shall include the provider type and the provider's name, business address, and telephone number.
d. To be valid, the certificate of dental screening exemption for financial hardship reasons shall be the department certificate or a form approved in writing by the department .
(3) A faxed copy, photocopy, or electronic copy of the valid certificate of dental screening exemption is acceptable.