Dental sealants are the most effective way to prevent cavities in permanent molars, where more than 80% of decay occurs in children’s permanent teeth.
The deep grooves and fissures of the molars allow decay to occur deep within the tooth structure where fluoride is less effective. Sealants are thin coatings applied to the tooth surface, which can help 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 of providing these services. Dental sealants are cost effective. Every $1 invested in dental sealants applied by county health department dental programs yields $8 to $38 for future 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.