The New Mexico sealant program: a progress report

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Preventive Dentistry

Background:

• A school-based dental sealant program was initiated in New Mexico in 1979.
• The program targeted children in multiple grades, offering sealants to prevent tooth decay.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of dental sealants applied in elementary school.
• To assess the impact of early sealant application on the condition of permanent molars.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of sixth-grade students who received sealants in earlier grades (1-3) was tracked.
• Occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars were examined for decay, missing teeth, or fillings.
• Retention rates of sealants were recorded at one, five, and six years post-application.

Main Results:

• Sixth graders with prior sealants had significantly lower rates of decayed, missing, or filled occlusal surfaces (5.6%) compared to untreated classmates (26.85%).
• Complete sealant retention rates were high: 93.47% after one year, 78.53% after five years, and 67.36% after six years.
• Partial sealant retention rates were 3.04% after one year, 10.63% after five years, and 10.46% after six years.

Conclusions:

• School-based dental sealants are highly effective in preventing decay in permanent molars.
• Sealants provide durable protection for several years, demonstrating a significant public health benefit.
• Early intervention with dental sealants is a cost-effective strategy for improving child dental health.