Since 2014, nearly 150,000 sealants have been provided to Pinellas children in Title 1 elementary schools.
Dental sealants are the most effective way of preventing cavities in permanent molars, where more than 80% of decay occurs in the permanent teeth of children. The deep grooves and fissures of the molars allow decay to occur deep within the tooth structure where fluoride is less effective.
Thin plastic coatings that are applied to the tooth surface stop this decay from happening.
Currently, 42 county health departments provide school-based sealant services.
The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County is in its 10th year providing these services. Dental sealants are cost effective. Every $1 invested in dental sealants applied by county health department dental programs yields $1.88 in dental treatment savings. The Public Health Dental Program promotes the early placement of sealants on permanent first and second molars to effectively prevent tooth decay.