Offering Oral Health Services for HIDOE and Charter Commission Students
The 2015 Hawaii Smiles report documented that children in Hawaii have the highest prevalence of dental decay in the nation. In addition, more than 60% of children statewide did not have sealants on their permanent molars, increasing their risk for dental decay. Children with dental decay are known to miss more school days, have difficulty concentrating in school due to pain, and may also have difficulty eating and poor self-esteem compared to their peers without dental decay.
About Hawaii Keiki Oral Health Services
In 2019, the Hawaii Keiki – Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) Dental Sealant Program was developed as a partnership between Hawaii Keiki (HK): Healthy and Ready to Learn and the HDS Foundation. The goal of the Dental Sealant Program is to improve the oral and overall health of children by increasing the number of children who receive oral health assessments, education and dental sealants within designated HIDOE and Charter Commission schools. Parents/guardians must provide written consent to participate. Students and families will not receive a bill for the visit although insurance information will be collected and may be billed.
In 2025, through generous funding from the Hawaii Department of Health Family Health Service Division, the HK kindergarten oral health assessments were launched on Oahu. This no cost program uses an opt out process to increase the number of keiki that receive important oral health assessments and education.
School-Based Oral Health Program Staff
The HK School-Based Oral Health Program is staffed by licensed dentists and dental hygienists. The dental team is supported by HK nurses and health techs throughout our islands. All children receive individual oral health education, a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Children in need of additional dental services will be referred to their dentist and/or a provider in their community if they do not have a designated dentist.
For a complete listing of the HK School-Based Oral Health Program staff visit: https://nursing.hawaii.edu/hawaii-keiki-department/school-based-oral-health/
Senior Practice Director & Dental Sealant Program Director
Hawaii Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn
Phone: (808) 956-8426
Email: dmattheus@ucera.org
Oral Health Program Manager
Hawaii Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn
Cell: (808) 436-4969
Email: ghignite@ucera.org
Hawaii Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 402
Honolulu, HI 96822
Phone: (808) 956-8522
Email: hikeiki@hawaii.edu