An evaluation of a school-based dental sealant programme

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Preventive Dentistry

Background:

• High caries prevalence in Idaho children necessitates school-based interventions.
• A needs assessment identified a Title 1 school with significant oral health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Bengal Smiles school-based dental sealant program.
• Assess program outcomes against U.S. Healthy People 2020 oral health objectives.

Main Methods:

• Screened 54 children (ages 6-12) for caries, sealant need, and referral requirements.
• Analyzed sealant retention and caries rates at 12 months (n=32).
• Used statistical tests (t-test, chi-square) to assess changes in caries and treatment access.

Main Results:

• A 16% decrease in suspected dental caries was observed; however, overall caries rates showed no statistically significant difference at 12 months (P=.21).
• Sealant prevalence increased by 370%, with 74% fully retained, 13% partially retained, and 13% not retained.
• 50% of referred children accessed dental care; parent contact intervention did not significantly increase treatment rates (P=.75).

Conclusions:

• School-based sealant programs can reduce oral health disparities.
• These programs contribute to achieving national oral health objectives like Healthy People 2020.