Dental Sealants
What are Dental Sealants?
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Dental sealants are transparent or opaque plastic coatings placed on the top of permanent molar (back) teeth to help prevent dental decay
Why are Dental Sealants Important?
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Sealants prevent 80% of dental decay on the back teeth during the first two years
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Dental decay impacts the whole body. It can lead to missing school, mouth pain, infection, and higher risk of chronic diseases
A 2022 survey found that less than 30% of Connecticut third-graders have dental sealants, a percentage that is significantly lower than the national average. This percentage has declined drastically since previous surveys in 2017
Race & ethnicity-based disparities exist within rates of CT children with sealants
In 2022, one in four Black and Multiracial children had sealants. Only one in five Asian children had sealants, while one in three Hispanic children had dental sealants
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Black and Hispanic children represent 60% of all children insured under HUSKY. Dental sealants have the largest impact on this group, with the potential to improve overall oral health
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Asian, Black & Multiracial children experience higher levels of dental decay but are less likely to have dental sealants compared to other racial/ ethnic groups
Resources:
Take action today! What can you do to help?
Policymakers
Through the Every Smile Counts Report, numerous strategies have been identified for policymakers to improve the oral health of Connecticut's children. - Improve and mantain access to dental insurance for all children as well as increase the number of dental providers participating in CT's HUSKY program -Continue partnering with school districts, increasing the capacity and funding for school sealant programs - Increase Medicaid reimbursment rates to providers and community health centers. - Collect and publish statewide data tracking dental sealants, oral health and the social determinants of health
Caregivers
Sealants are a preventative measure. However, they will save money and time by avoiding more expensive treatments. - While dental sealants are not a requirement for all children, it's important to ask your child's dentist/oral health professional if they think sealants would be a good choice - Make sure to check with your child's school to see if they have a sealant program! If they do not, encourage them to start one. - You can help improve your child's oral health by learning how oral health impacts overall health, and by bringing your child to the dentist twice a year for preventative care and cleanings. Source: Every Smile Counts, CT Department of Health, 2022
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Oral Health Providers
It is vital that oral health providers offer services in underserved areas and/or participate in HUSKY. Through this, dental sealants will be applied to children with the highest risk of cavities. How can you help? - Donate time or resources to a school-based sealant program - Dental care teams may learn more about school sealant programs, their effectivness and advocate for these programs. - Oral health providers should use strategies to reduce barriers to care, including language, socio-cultural norms and lack of knowledge about oral health. Source: Every Smile Counts, CT Department of Health, 2022
View our Fact Sheet for Caregivers about Dental Sealants!
