Back-to-school health checklist: physicals, eye exams, and dental visits before the bell rings

Before the backpack is packed and the alarm is set, pediatric health specialists say there is one back-to-school list that matters more than the school supply run: the medical one. Physical exams, vaccines, eye exams, and dental checkups are the four appointments experts say can make the difference between a child who starts the year ready to learn and one who spends it struggling with an undetected problem.

According to Newswise, the guidance comes from three UTHealth Houston specialists — pediatrician Sheela Gavvala, DO; optometrist Stephanie Handal, OD; and dentist Beatriz Ortega, DDS, DMS — each of whom outlines what families should prioritize before the first day of school.

The physical exam is the starting point. For children in extracurricular activities that require an annual physical, parents can expect an appointment similar to a standard wellness visit — a comprehensive checkup that includes a review of medical history, immunizations, developmental milestones, and any recommended screening tests such as blood work for high cholesterol or anemia.

Wellness exams matter because they give pediatricians a chance to catch potential health issues early, track growth and development, and make sure kids have the support they need to stay healthy throughout the year.— Sheela Gavvala, DO, associate professor and pediatrician, UTHealth Houston

Gavvala also notes that for teenagers, the wellness visit includes time alone with the physician — a confidential space for teens to ask their own questions and begin taking ownership of their health.

On vaccines specifically, Gavvala describes them as crucial and safe tools that can prevent or reduce the severity of sometimes life-threatening illnesses, and that staying current also supports herd immunity, protecting the broader community including those most vulnerable.

Eye health is the second priority specialists flag, and one that can be easy to overlook if a child has not complained about their vision. Handal explains that annual exams matter for children who already wear glasses — to confirm their prescription is current — and equally for those who do not, to check whether their vision has changed or whether glasses are now needed.

As kids become teens and young adults, a few new eye health considerations start to show up. One of the biggest is the growing myopia epidemic. With increased time spent on computers, phones, and tablets, kids are becoming increasingly nearsighted.— Stephanie Handal, OD, optometrist, UTHealth Houston Robert Cizik Eye Clinic

Handal adds that teenagers who are beginning to drive should have an eye exam before they get behind the wheel. For all children, she recommends limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor play or sports, and — for contact lens wearers — maintaining strict handwashing and hygiene habits.

Dental care rounds out the health checklist. Ortega points to childhood dental anxiety as a major barrier to visits and a threat to long-term oral health, which is why she says establishing routines early is essential. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend preventive dental appointments every six months as a baseline.

Every brushing routine, every decision to drink water instead of sugary beverages, and every dental visit is an investment in a healthier future.— Beatriz Ortega, DDS, DMS, dentist, UT Dentists

For children at high risk of cavities, Ortega recommends more frequent visits — every three to four months — for fluoride application and more intensive preventive care.

Why it matters — Undetected vision problems, lapsed vaccines, and untreated dental issues are among the most common reasons children struggle in school — and all are addressable with a few appointments before the year begins.

Reported by fcboe.org, theeverymom.com, newswise.com