Back to School Physicals: What Parents Should Schedule Before August
Summer goes fast.
And before you know it, it’s back-to-school season.
Between supply lists and new schedules, it’s easy to forget one of the most important items: your child’s health appointments. Many schools and sports programs require physicals before the year starts — and those appointment slots fill up quickly once August arrives. A little planning now saves a lot of stress later. Here’s what to get on the calendar before the back-to-school rush.
1. School Physicals
Many schools require an up-to-date physical for enrollment.
A school physical typically checks:
- Height, weight, and growth
- Vision and hearing
- Overall health and development
- Immunization records
Scheduling early means you’re not scrambling to meet a deadline the week before school starts.
2. Sports Physicals
If your child plays a sport, they’ll likely need a sports physical (sometimes called a pre-participation exam).
Sport physicals focus on:
- Heart and lung health
- Joints, muscles, and previous injuries
- Readiness for physical activity
These are often required before tryouts or the first practice — so check your league’s deadline now.
3. Annual Wellness Visits
Even if it’s not required, an annual checkup is one of the best things you can do for your child.
A wellness visit is a chance to:
- Track growth and development
- Update vaccinations
- Talk through any concerns
- Catch small issues early
It’s also a good time to establish a relationship with a provider before anyone is sick.
4. Dental Cleanings Before School Starts
Don’t forget the dentist.
A dental cleaning before the school year:
- Keeps cavities and dental pain from interrupting class
- Catches issues while they’re small
- Starts the year with one less thing to worry about
Why Appointments Get Harder to Find in August
Here’s the catch every parent learns eventually: everyone waits until August to schedule their children’s back to school physicals. As the deadline approaches, provider schedules fill up fast, and you may end up driving farther or waiting longer than you’d like. Booking in July means more options, better times, and a lot less stress.
How Sun Health & Dental Can Help
A Sun Health & Dental membership is built to make these appointments easier to schedule and more affordable.
Depending on your membership, benefits may include:
- Fast appointments without complicated referrals
- Dental cleanings and discounted dental services
- Vision options
- Telemedicine for quick questions
- Appointment scheduling handled for you
- Family memberships covering up to five people
Beat the Back to School Physicals Rush
The easiest back-to-school season is the one you plan ahead for. Get those physicals, checkups, and cleanings on the calendar now — your August self will thank you.
To learn more or get help scheduling, visit SunHealthDental.com or call 855-786-0626.
