Sealants are a thin natural tooth-colored coating applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants prevent tooth decay and save money, especially for low-income children. Children without sealants have almost (3 x) three times more cavities than those with sealants. [1]
Healthy People 2020 and the CDC endorses sealants as an evidence-based best practice. Although, sealants are on the rise among children, 6-11 years old, disparities remain especially in low-income and racial/ethnic minority groups.[2]
We are excited to help local oral health programs reach out to schools and dental providers to support this important effort!
For additional resources, please visit the sealant resource page.
What are sealants?
Why does the CDC endorse sealants as a best practice?
What is the difference between school-based and school-linked sealant programs?
Can California dental providers apply dental sealants?
Where to get started on developing a sustainable school sealant program?
[1] Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities. CDC Vitalsigns™. October 2016. Accessed https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/pdf/2016-10-vitalsigns.pdf
[2] Disparities In Oral Health. CDC. Accessed https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/oral_health_disparities/index.htm