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Evaluation of a clinic-based sealant program.

G R Sterritt¹, R A Frew

¹Public Health Service, Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Journal of Public Health Dentistry

|January 1, 1988

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A comprehensive sealant program significantly lowered tooth decay rates in Guamanian children. This initiative reduced decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) by 45% in two years, achieving near US mainland levels.

Area of Science:

Public Health
Pediatric Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry

Background:

Guam's children had high caries rates, double US mainland averages in 1984.
Fluoride deficiency on the island contributed to elevated tooth decay.
A need existed for effective preventive dental strategies for children.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of a comprehensive dental sealant program on caries rates in Guamanian children.
To reduce decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) to US mainland levels.
To assess sealant retention rates and program participation.

Main Methods:

A clinic-based preventive program provided sealants, oral health education, and toothbrushing instruction.
Dental examinations measuring DMFS were conducted in 1984 and 1986.

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Over 15,000 children received annual sealant applications.

Main Results:

DMFS scores decreased by 45% between 1984 and 1986.
The reduction in DMFS was primarily on pitted and grooved surfaces.
An average reduction of 2.4 DMFS surfaces per child was observed over two years.

Conclusions:

Dental sealants are highly effective in reducing caries on susceptible tooth surfaces.
The sealant program successfully lowered caries rates in Guamanian children.
High sealant retention rates (94%) indicate program sustainability.