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School-Based Dental Sealant ProgramsIntroductionSealants prevent tooth decay and also stop cavities from growing. The Surgeon General’s report on oral health indicates that sealants can reduce decay in school children by more than 70 percent. On this page:
What Are Dental Sealants?Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This is where most tooth decay in children and teens occurs. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from decay by keeping germs and pieces of food out. Learn more about sealants, including how they help prevent tooth decay and how they are applied, from this Dental Sealants Fact Sheet. What are School-Based Sealant Programs?School-based or school-linked dental sealant delivery programs provide sealants to children unlikely to receive them otherwise. Such programs—
Many programs target what are referred to as high-risk children. High-risk children include vulnerable populations less likely to receive private dental care, such as children eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch programs. The Scientific Evidence Shows that School-Based Sealant Programs WorkFindings from scientific studies clearly show that school-based dental sealant programs work to stop tooth decay. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services recommends school sealant programs and issued a strong endorsement* (PDF–58K) in 2001. In 2003, the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) published a Best Practice Approach Report.* This report reviews the scientific evidence that school sealant programs work and presents specific examples of practices in state programs. School-based sealant programs are especially important for reaching children at highest risk for tooth decay. Tooth decay may result in pain and other problems that affect learning in school-age children. Learn more by reading Oral Health and Learning* (PDF–81K). This report addresses the following:
CDC Expert Workgroup Examines Scientific Evidence Supporting Practices in School-Based Sealant ProgramsThe CDC-sponsored expert workgroup reviewed current guidelines for sealant use in school-based programs and evaluated scientific studies of specific program practices. These practices included sealing tooth decay in its earliest stages, using specific techniques to place sealants, and making sure that sealants stay on the tooth over time. Several studies are now published from these reviews.
The American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs used findings from the CDC expert workgroup to develop a report that provides evidence-based clinical recommendations* (PDF–244K) for using dental sealants. Related Links
One or more documents on this Web page is available in Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents. * Links to non-Federal organizations are
provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an
endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none
should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual
organization Web pages found at this link. Page last modified: September 10, 2008 |
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