Dental Sealants

A Resource Guide

Fourth Edition

Prepared by
Jolene Bertness, M.Ed., CHES
Katrina Holt, M.P.H., M.S., R.D., FAND

February 2017
Cite as
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center. 2017. Dental Sealants: A Resource Guide
(4th ed.). Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center.
Dental Sealants: A Resource Guide (4th ed.) © 2017 by National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource
Center, Georgetown University
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under grant #H47MC00048 in the amount of $3,000,000 over
5 years. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed
as the official position or policy of HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S. government, nor should any endorsements be
inferred.
Permission is given to photocopy this publication or to forward it, in its entirety, to others. Requests for
permission to use all or part of the information contained in this publication in other ways should be sent
to the address below.
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University
Box 571272
Washington, DC 20057-1272
(202) 784-9771
E-mail: OHRCinfo@georgetown.edu
Web site: http://www.mchoralhealth.org
 Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Data and Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Professional Education, Tools, and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Public Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
State and Local Program Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Materials Produced by the National Maternal
and Child Oral Health Resource Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
 Introduction
T he National Maternal and Child Oral Health
Resource Center (OHRC) developed this pub-
lication, Dental Sealants: A Resource Guide (4th
ed.), to provide information to health profession-
als, program administrators, educators, policy-
makers, and others about the use and application
of dental sealants.
Dental sealants have been used to reduce
the incidence and severity of dental caries in
the pits and fissures of teeth for over 40 years.
Dental sealants placed by appropriately trained
oral health professionals are safe and effective,
although underused, in preventing pit-and-fissure
dental caries on at-risk tooth surfaces.
The resource guide is divided into three sec-
tions. The first section describes materials, such as
brochures, fact sheets, guidelines, curricula, and
reports published from 2011 through 2016. The
second section lists federal agencies, national pro-
fessional associations, and resource centers that
may serve as resources. And the third section lists
materials on dental sealants produced by OHRC.
Our intent is to share resources that are useful
and that represent current science and practice.
For further information, we encourage you to
contact the organizations listed. Your state and information. OHRC will update the resource guide
local departments of health, state and local oral- periodically, and we would appreciate hearing
health-related associations and societies, and from you if you know of any relevant resources
university-based libraries are additional sources of that are not included in this edition.

Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the following individuals
for their review and contributions to the resource
guide: Matt Crespin, Children’s Health Alliance
of Wisconsin, and Kathy Geurink, Association
of State and Territorial Dental Directors. And we
would like to thank those who submitted items for
inclusion in the guide.

D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
3
Materials
 Materials
Data and Surveillance
DENTAL CARIES AND SEALANT PREVALENCE
IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE
UNITED STATES, 2011–2012
This report describes the prevalence of dental
caries and dental sealants in children and ado-
lescents by age and race/ethnicity in the United
States. Topics include disparities for dental car-
ies and dental sealant prevalence in children
and adolescents in 2011–2012. Definitions, the
data source, and a discussion of methods are
included.
Dye BA, Thornton-Evans G, Li X, Iafolla TJ. 2015.
Dental Caries and Sealant Prevalence in Children
and Adolescents in the United States, 2011–2012.
Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statis-
tics. 7 pp. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/data
briefs/db191.pdf.
DENTAL SEALANT UTILIZATION AMONG
RURAL AND URBAN CHILDREN
This document presents findings from a study to
examine the proportion of children and ado-
lescents ages 6–14 from rural and urban areas
who have dental sealants. Topics include paren-
tally reported dental sealant use, characteristics
associated with reported sealant use, and a
comparison of data in the Survey of Income and
Program Participation (Census Bureau) and data
in the National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey.
Martin AB, Gallagher A, Probst JC. 2013. Den-
tal Sealant Utilization Among Rural and Urban
Children. Columbia, SC: South Carolina Rural
Health Research Center. 10 pp. http://rhr.sph.
sc.edu/report/(9-2)%20Dental%20Sealant%20
Utilization%20Among%20Rural%20and%20Urban
%20Children%20full.pdf.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
5
NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
SYSTEM
This data system provides information about
the burden of oral disease, use of oral-health-
care-delivery systems, and status of community
water fluoridation on both a national and a state
level. The system is designed to track oral-health-
surveillance indicators based on data sources
and surveillance capacity available to most states.
Indicators include the percentage of students in
third grade with dental sealants on at least one
permanent molar tooth.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Divi-
sion of Oral Health, and Association of State and
Territorial Dental Directors. 2015. National Oral
Health Surveillance System. Atlanta, GA: Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention. Mul-
tiple items. http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealthdata/
overview/nohss.html.
ORAL HEALTH DISPARITIES AS DETERMINED
BY SELECTED HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020 ORAL
HEALTH OBJECTIVES FOR THE UNITED
STATES, 2009–2010
This report presents findings on oral health dis-
parities from the 2009–2010 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey. The report focuses
on Healthy People 2020 objectives covering select
age groups by race and ethnicity and poverty
status. Topics include the prevalence of dental
sealants among children and adolescents by age,
race and ethnicity, and poverty level.
Dye BA, Li X, Thornton-Evans G. 2012. Oral
Health Disparities as Determined by Selected
Healthy People 2020 Oral Health Objectives for
the United States, 2009 –2010. Hyattsville, MD:
National Center for Health Statistics. 7 pp. http://
www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db104.pdf.
THE ORAL HEALTH OF 1–5 YEAR OLD
AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE
CHILDREN: RESULTS OF THE 2014 IHS ORAL
HEALTH SURVEY
This brief presents findings from a national sur-
vey to assess the oral health status of American
Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children ages
1–5. Contents include information on the preva-
lence of tooth decay in the primary and perma-
nent teeth of AI/AN children in this age group in
2014 at both the national and the Indian Health
Service Area level, as well as trends in the oral
health of this population since 2010. The brief
also provides information about the prevalence
of having a dental sealant on a primary molar
tooth among this population.
Phipps KR, Ricks TL. 2015. The Oral Health of
1–5 Year Old American Indian and Alaska Native
Children: Results of the 2014 IHS Oral Health
Survey. Rockville, MD: Indian Health Service,
Division of Oral Health. 9 pp. http://www.ihs.
gov/doh/documents/IHS_Data_Brief_1-5_Year-
Old.pdf.
THE ORAL HEALTH OF 6–9 YEAR OLD
AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE
CHILDREN COMPARED TO THE GENERAL U.S.
POPULATION AND HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020
TARGETS
This brief presents findings from a national
survey to assess the oral health status of Ameri-
can Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students
in kindergarten through third grade. Contents
include information about the prevalence of
tooth decay in the primary and permanent teeth
of AI/AN students in this age group compared to
the prevalence in their counterparts in the gen-
eral U.S. population and to Healthy People 2020
targets. The brief also provides information about
the prevalence of dental sealants.
Phipps KR, Ricks TL, Blahut P. 2014. The Oral
Health of 6 –9 Year Old American Indian and
Alaska Native Children Compared to the General
U.S. Population and Healthy People 2020 Targets.
Rockville, MD: Indian Health Service, Division
of Oral Health. 5 pp. http://www.ihs.gov/DOH/
documents/Data_Brief_IHS_6-9_Year_Olds.pdf.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
6
THE ORAL HEALTH OF 13–15 YEAR OLD
AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE
CHILDREN: COMPARED TO THE GENERAL
U.S. POPULATION AND HEALTHY PEOPLE
2020 TARGETS
This brief presents findings from a national sur-
vey to assess the oral health status of American
Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents
ages 13–15. Contents include information on the
prevalence of dental sealants in the permanent
molars of AI/AN adolescents in this age group
compared to the prevalence in their counterparts
in the general U.S. population and to Healthy
People 2020 targets.
Phipps KR, Ricks TL, Blahut P. 2014. The Oral
Health of 13–15 Year Old American Indian and
Alaska Native Children: Compared to the General
U.S. Population and Healthy People 2020 Targets.
Rockville, MD: Indian Health Service, Division
of Oral Health. 6 pp. http://www.ihs.gov/DOH/
documents/surveillance/Data%20Brief%20IHS%20
Adolescent%2005-05-2014.pdf.
USE OF DENTAL CARE AND EFFECTIVE
PREVENTIVE SERVICES IN PREVENTING
TOOTH DECAY AMONG U.S. CHILDREN AND
ADOLESCENTS: MEDICAL EXPENDITURE
PANEL SURVEY, UNITED STATES, 2003–2009
AND NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION
EXAMINATION SURVEY, UNITED STATES,
2005–2010
This report provides information about the
receipt of a dental sealant among children and
adolescents ages 5–19 within the calendar year.
The report presents measures and trends by sex,
age, race and ethnicity, health insurance status,
dental insurance status, and disability status; fam-
ily income-poverty ratio; and head-of-household
level of educational attainment.
Griffin SO, Barker LK, Wei L, Li CH, Albuquerque
MS, Gooch BE, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. 2014. Use of dental care and effec-
tive preventive services in preventing tooth decay
among U.S. children and adolescents: Medical
Expenditure Panel Survey, United States, 2003–2009
and National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, United States, 2005–2010. Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report 63(2):54–60. http://www.
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6302a9.htm.
Policy
POLICY ON THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENT
OF FEES RELATED TO DENTAL SEALANTS
This statement recognizes that placing and
maintaining dental sealants is a scientifically
sound and cost-effective technique for prevention
of pit-and-fissure dental caries. Topics include
methods, background, and recommendations for
reimbursement for fees associated with sealant
placement, maintenance, and repair.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 2015.
Policy on Third-Party Reimbursement of Fees
Related to Dental Sealants. Chicago, IL: Ameri-
can Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 2 pp. http://
www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/P_3rd
PartSealants.pdf.
STATES STALLED ON DENTAL SEALANT
PROGRAMS
This report presents findings from a survey of
dental directors and state dental boards to assess
progress on four benchmarks reflecting the reach,
efficiency, and effectiveness of state dental seal-
ant programs. Topics include the extent to which
sealant programs are serving high-need schools,
whether dental hygienists are allowed to place
sealants in school-based dental sealant programs
without a dentist’s prior exam, whether states
collect data and participate in a national database,
and the proportion of students receiving sealants
across the state. State fact sheets are also available.
Children’s Dental Policy. 2015. States Stalled on
Dental Sealant Programs. Philadelphia, PA: Pew
Charitable Trusts. 25 pp. http://www.pewtrusts.
org/~/media/Assets/2015/04/Dental_Sealant
Report_Final.pdf.
Professional Education,
Tools, and Training
ADMINISTRATION MANUAL: WISCONSIN
SEAL-A-SMILE
This manual provides information on admin-
istering Seal-A-Smile (SAS)-funded projects in
Wisconsin. The purpose of the SAS program is
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
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to improve the oral health of children through
school-based dental sealant programs. Topics
include project implementation, expenses, pay-
ment procedures, project changes, program over-
sight, performance benchmarks, reports and data
collection, publicity, policies and procedures, and
references. A request-for-reimbursement form
and screening survey criteria are included as
appendices.
Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin. 2016.
Administration Manual: Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile.
Milwaukee, WI: Children’s Health Alliance of
Wisconsin. 32 pp. http://www.chawisconsin.org/
documents/OH2SASAdminManual.pdf.
BE SMART AND SEAL THEM! A SCHOOL-
BASED DENTAL SEALANT MANUAL
This manual provides information on planning,
implementing, evaluating, and promoting a
program that provides oral health screenings and
dental sealants for students in second grade in
Colorado. Contents include information about the
program’s history and the sealant-placement pro-
cess, school-based vs. school-linked programs,
retention checks and follow-up, evaluation, and
budget. The appendices contain surveys; con-
sent letters, forms, and report cards for families;
data and referral forms; a sample press release;
a fact sheet and brochure on sealants; and other
resources. Selected materials are available in Eng-
lish and Spanish. [Funded by the Maternal and
Child Health Bureau]
Colorado Department of Public Health and Envi-
ronment, Oral Health Program. 2011. Be Smart
and Seal Them! A School-Based Dental Sealant
Manual. Denver, CO: Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment, Oral Health
Program. 45 pp. https://www.mchoralhealth.org/
PDFs/CO_Sealant_Program_Manual_2010.
BEST PRACTICE APPROACH: SCHOOL-BASED
DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAMS (UPD.)
This report provides information to help state,
territorial, and community oral health programs
develop public health best practices related to
dental sealants. Topics include public health
strategies that are supported by evidence for
their impact and effectiveness. The report also
provides access to state and community practice
examples that illustrate successful implementation
of best practice approaches. [Funded in part by
the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]
Association of State and Territorial Dental Direc-
tors, Best Practices Committee. 2015. Best Prac-
tice Approach: School-Based Dental Sealant
Programs. Reno, NV: Association of State and
Territorial Dental Directors. 16 pp. http://www.
astdd.org/docs/bpar-selants-update-03-2015.pdf.
BEST PRACTICES FOR THE APPLICATION OF
DENTAL SEALANTS IN SCHOOL-BASED ORAL
HEALTH PROGRAMS
This fact sheet provides information about best
practices for applying dental sealants in school-
based oral health programs. Topics include
indications for sealant placement, tooth surface
assessment, sealant placement, and sealant
evaluation.
Michigan Dental Association. 2013. Best Practices
for the Application of Dental Sealants in School-
Based Oral Health Programs. Okemos, MI: Michi-
gan Dental Association. 1 p. https://www.smile
michigan.com/Portals/0/Teaching%20Aides/Best
%20Practices%20Dental%20Sealants.pdf.
CERTIFICATION FOR LOCAL SCHOOL
DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAMS
This document presents the final text rule requir-
ing local school-based dental sealant programs
(SBSPs) in Oregon to be certified by the Oregon
Health Authority before they can apply sealants.
Contents include guidance on the requirements
for certification, the application process for certi-
fication and recertification, monitoring of SBSPs,
and decertification or provisional certification for
programs that are out of compliance. Informa-
tion about certification and clinical training is also
available.
Oregon Health Authority, Oral Health Program.
2016. Certification for Local School Dental Seal-
ant Programs. Portland, OR: Oregon Health
Authority. 6 pp. https://public.health.oregon.
gov/PreventionWellness/oralhealth/School/
Documents/SB660FinalRules333-028.pdf.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
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DENTAL CARIES (CAVITIES): SCHOOL-BASED
DENTAL SEALANT DELIVERY PROGRAMS
These resources provide evidence-based recom-
mendations and findings about what works to
improve public oral health. Contents include
recommendations for school-based dental-sealant
programs. Supporting materials and consider-
ations for implementation are also provided.
Community Preventive Services Task Force. 2013.
Dental Caries (Cavities): School-Based Dental
Sealant Delivery Programs. Atlanta, GA: Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Community
Guide Branch. Multiple items. https://www.
thecommunityguide.org/findings/dental-caries-
cavities-school-based-dental-sealant-delivery-
programs.
DENTAL SEALANT GUIDELINES AND
OPERATIONS MANUAL
This manual aids school-based dental sealant pro-
gram personnel in designing new programs and
evaluating and updating existing ones. Contents
include an introduction to Maryland dental seal-
ant programs, outcomes and evaluation, and best
practices; an overview of information and admin-
istrative protocols; a summary of how to operate
effective community programs; a discussion of
tooth-surface selection, materials, and applica-
tion techniques; an overview of assessment and
data collection; lists of relevant health curricula,
training programs, and reports; site reviews;
and information about technical assistance. The
appendices contain reports, sample newsletters,
flyers, forms, and instructions.
Maryland Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, Office of Oral Health. 2012. Dental
Sealant Guidelines and Operations Manual.
Baltimore, MD: Maryland Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health. 62
pp. http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/oralhealth/
docs1/Dental-Sealant-Guidelines-Operations-
Manual.pdf.
DENTAL SEALANTS: AN EFFECTIVE STATE
STRATEGY TO PREVENT DENTAL CARIES IN
CHILDREN
This webinar, held on September 19, 2013,
provides information for states and their collab-
orative partners to improve access to oral health
services for children enrolled in Medicaid and
the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Topics
include disproportionate use of dental sealants
and treatment costs, evidence-based recommen-
dations for sealant use, and lessons learned in
Montana and Wyoming. Presentation slides, an
audiorecording, and related resources are also
available.
Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services. 2013.
Dental Sealants: An Effective State Strategy to Pre-
vent Dental Caries in Children. Baltimore, MD:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Mul-
tiple items. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/
benefits/dental/index.html.
DENTAL SEALANTS: PROVEN TO PREVENT
TOOTH DECAY—A LOOK AT ISSUES
IMPACTING THE DELIVERY OF STATE
AND LOCAL SCHOOL-BASED SEALANT
PROGRAMS
This report provides an overview of program
designs and key issues in school-based dental
sealant programs (SBSPs). Topics include factors
that may facilitate or hinder program financing,
impact, and sustainability. The report describes
the efforts of five states (Illinois, New York, Ohio,
South Carolina, and Wisconsin) with longstand-
ing SBSPs and provides recommendations for
promoting children’s oral health through such
programs. Appendices include survey forms of
pre-tested questions for state and local oral health
and dental sealant programs.
Children’s Dental Health Project. 2014. Dental
Sealants: Proven to Prevent Tooth Decay —A Look
at Issues Impacting the Delivery of State and Local
School-Based Sealant Programs. Washington,
DC: Children’s Dental Health Project. 21 pp. plus
appendices. https://cdhp.s3.amazonaws.com/
resource/314/attachment_1/original.pdf?14340
38324.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
9
DENTAL SEALANTS PREVENT CAVITIES:
EFFECTIVE PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
This fact sheet describes opportunities to improve
oral health in children and adolescents by starting
or expanding programs that offer dental sealants
in schools. Topics include what sealants are and
why they are used; disparities in sealant use;
what the federal government is doing to promote
sealants; and what state officials, health profes-
sionals, school administrators, and parents can do
to increase the use of sealants. The fact sheet is
available in English and Spanish.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion. 2016. Dental Sealants
Prevent Cavities: Effective Protection for Children.
Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. 4 pp. http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/
dental-sealants/index.html.
EVIDENCE-BASED CLINICAL PRACTICE
GUIDELINE FOR THE USE OF PIT-AND-
FISSURE SEALANTS: A REPORT OF THE
AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION AND
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC
DENTISTRY
This report presents findings from a systematic
review and recommendations to address clinical
questions related to the effect of pit-and-fissure
sealant on preventing and arresting dental caries
in children and adolescents. Additional top-
ics include the efficacy of sealants compared
with fluoride varnishes and the relative merit of
head-to-head comparisons of the different types
of sealant material used on pits and fissures of
occlusal surfaces.
Wright JT, Crall JJ, Fontana M, Gillette J, Novy
BB, Dhar V, Donly K, Hewlett ER, Quinonez RB,
Chaffin J, Crespin M, Iafolla T, Siegal MD, Tampi
MP, Graham L, Estrich C, Carrasco-Labra A. 2016.
Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for
the use of pit-and-fissure sealants: A report of
the American Dental Association and American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Journal of the
American Dental Association 147(8):672–682.
http://ebd.ada.org/en/evidence/guidelines/
pit-and-fissure-sealants.
FINAL REPORT ON TESTING PEDIATRIC ORAL
HEALTH CARE PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
TOOTH MORTALITY OF PRIMARY TEETH AND
TREATMENT AFTER SEALANT PLACEMENT
ON PERMANENT MOLARS
This report provides information about valida-
tion testing for pediatric oral health performance
measures. Topics include tooth mortality and
treatment following dental sealant placement.
Contents include background, data sources, and
key testing findings.
Herndon JB. 2016. Final Report on Testing Pedi-
atric Oral Health Care Performance Measures:
Tooth Mortality of Primary Teeth and Treatment
After Sealant Placement on Permanent Molars.
Chicago, IL: American Dental Association. 19 pp.
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20
and%20Research/Files/DQA_2016_Additional_
Pediatric_Measures_Testing_Final_Report.pdf?
la=en.
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED SEALANT
PROGRAMS IN FEDERALLY QUALIFIED
HEALTH CENTERS IN LOUISIANA
This document provides guidance on collaborat-
ing and partnering to implement school-based
dental sealant programs in federally qualified
health centers in Louisiana. Topics include apply-
ing for a license to operate portable and mobile
dental equipment, infection-control recommenda-
tions and standards, and information required in
the consent form for student participation in the
program.
Edwards L. 2012. Implementing School-Based
Sealant Programs in Federally Qualified Health
Centers in Louisiana. Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana
Department of Health and Hospitals, Center for
Community and Preventive Health, Oral Health
Program. 33 pp. http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/
assets/oph/Center-PHCH/oralhealth/OralHealth
ProgramToolKit-FQHCs.pdf.
IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH WITH SCHOOL-
BASED SEALANT PROGRAMS
This self-study course for oral health profession-
als focuses on the role of school-based dental
sealant programs (SBSPs) in reducing dental
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
10
caries incidence and addressing children’s oral
health needs. Topics include the effectiveness
of sealants in caries prevention, defining SBSPs,
SBSPs’ success in reducing caries incidence, and
challenges in implementing SBSPs and strate-
gies for overcoming these challenges. The course
expires June 30, 2019.
Crespin M, Gross-Panico M. 2016. Improving
oral health with school-based sealant programs.
Dimensions of Dental Hygiene 14(6):52–55.
http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/
2016/06_June/Features/Improving_Oral_Health_
With_School-Based_Sealant_Programs.aspx.
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH &
HOSPITALS ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM TOOL
KIT: IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED
SEALANT PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA
This document is designed to help federally
qualified health centers in Louisiana implement
school-based dental sealant programs. Topics
include applying for a license to operate portable
and mobile dental equipment, infection-control
recommendations and standards, and information
required in the consent form for student partici-
pation in the program. Information about Medic-
aid reimbursement is also provided.
Edwards L. 2012. Louisiana Department of
Health & Hospitals Oral Health Program Tool Kit:
Implementing School-Based Sealant Programs in
Louisiana. Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana Depart-
ment of Health and Hospitals, Center for Com-
munity and Preventive Health. 33 pp. http://
new.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets/oph/Center-PHCH/
oralhealth/OralHealthProgramToolKit-FQHCs.pdf.
LOUISIANA SEALS SMILES: SCHOOL-BASED
DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAM MANUAL
This manual provides information on implement-
ing a dental sealant program in communities and
schools in Louisiana. Topics include program
history, school-based vs. school-linked programs,
planning and promoting a program, retention
checks and follow-up, evaluation, and budget.
Forms for clinic operation, data collection, and
evaluation are included in the appendices.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals,
Center for Community and Preventive Health,
Oral Health Program. 2013. Louisiana Seals
Smiles: School-Based Dental Sealant Program
Manual. Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana Department
of Health and Hospitals, Center for Community
and Preventive Health, Oral Health Program. 39
pp. http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets/oph/
Center-PHCH/oralhealth/LouisianaDentalSealant
ProgramManual.pdf.
MARYLAND MIGHTY TOOTH: SCHOOL-BASED
DENTAL SEALANT TRAINING PROGRAM
This training program for school-based dental
sealant program (SBSP) staff in Maryland pro-
vides information about the history, operations,
and underlying principles of SBSPs. Topics
include guidelines for infection control in SBSPs,
tooth selection and assessment for dental seal-
ants, the sealant-application process, and pro-
gram operations. Self-assessment quizzes are
included.
Maryland Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, Office of Oral Health. 2015. Maryland
Mighty Tooth: School-Based Dental Sealant Train-
ing Program. Washington, DC: National Maternal
and Child Oral Health Resource Center; Balti-
more, MD: Maryland Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health. Multiple
items. http://mightytoothcurriculum.com.
MISSISSIPPI SEALS PROGRAM
This resource provides information on efforts to
provide oral-health-related prevention services,
including screenings, fluoride-varnish applica-
tions, and dental sealants, to students in Missis-
sippi schools. It describes dental sealants, how
the program works and who is eligible, and how
schools and oral health professionals can get
involved. A program flyer, enrollment forms for
schools and providers, a parental consent form,
and an oral-health-evaluation results form are
also included.
Mississippi State Department of Health. 2012.
Mississippi Seals Program. Jackson, MS: Missis-
sippi State Department of Health. Multiple items.
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/43,0,151,481.
html.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
11
ORAL HEALTH TOPICS: DENTAL SEALANTS
These resources for oral health professionals and
others focus on the safety and use of dental seal-
ants in children and adolescents. Topics include
types of sealants, evidence, and common misper-
ceptions. Contents include infographics about
sealant safety and how sealants work designed
to be downloaded and shared on social media
networks. Additional resources for profession-
als, including educational handouts to share with
clients, are also provided.
American Dental Association. 2016. Oral Health
Topics: Dental Sealants. Chicago, IL: American
Dental Association. Multiple items. http://www.
ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/
dental-sealants.
PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY AND SAVING
TEETH WITH DENTAL SEALANTS (3RD ED.)
This fact sheet for professionals provides infor-
mation on the use of dental sealants in prevent-
ing tooth decay and in arresting the progression
of decay. Topics include access to care, dispari-
ties in care, public awareness, cost-effectiveness,
and programs. [Funded by the Maternal and Child
Health Bureau]
Holt K, Barzel R. 2010. Preventing Tooth Decay
and Saving Teeth with Dental Sealants (3rd ed.).
Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child
Oral Health Resource Center. 4 pp. http://www.
mchoralhealth.org/pdfs/OHDentSealantFactsheet.
pdf.
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS: DENTAL SEALANTS
This resource for professionals highlights key
facts from the professional literature, materials,
and websites about dental sealants. Some of the
materials and websites are available in English
and Spanish. [Funded by the Maternal and Child
Health Bureau]
National Maternal and Child Oral Health
Resource Center. 2016. Resource Highlights: Den-
tal Sealants. Washington, DC: National Maternal
and Child Oral Health Resource Center. Multiple
items. http://www.mchoralhealth.org/highlights/
dental-sealants.php.
SCHOOL-BASED DENTAL SEALANT
PROGRAM: REFERENCE GUIDE FOR TOOTH
SURFACE ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION
This guide for professionals participating in
Ohio’s dental sealant program provides informa-
tion about the criteria and methods for decid-
ing on sealant placement. Topics include visual
assessment to detect surface cavitation and/
or signs of dentinal involvement before sealant
placement, differences between noncavitated and
cavitated dental caries lesions, and selecting seal-
ants for repair or replacement. Photographs are
included.
Ohio Department of Health, Oral Health Pro-
gram. 2014. School-Based Dental Sealant
Program: Reference Guide for Tooth Surface
Assessment and Selection. Columbus, OH: Ohio
Department of Health, Oral Health Program.
2 pp. http://www.odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/
ASSETS/Files/ohs/oral%20health/SBSP%20
Tooth%20Selection%20Pocket%20Guide.ashx.
SCHOOL-BASED DENTAL SEALANT
PROGRAM MANUAL (UPD.)
This manual provides professional recommenda-
tions and states’ expectations for school-based
dental sealant programs funded by the Ohio
Department of Health (ODH). Contents include
local program operations, regulatory compliance,
compliance with ODH policies, sealant program
eligibility, sample program forms, clinical mate-
rials and methods, retention checks, Medicaid
billing and collection, reimbursement guidelines,
health professional enrollment, filing claims,
performance benchmarks and performance
standards, reporting, ODH program reviews, and
compliance with other ODH requirements. The
appendices contain sample forms, records, letters,
and other practice-related materials.
Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Health
Promotion. 2015. School-Based Dental Sealant
Program Manual (upd.). Columbus, OH: Ohio
Department of Health, Bureau of Health Promo-
tion. 27 pp., plus appendices. https://www.odh.
ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/ohs/oral%
20health/Dental%20Sealant%20Manual%202016.
pdf.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
12
SCHOOL-BASED DENTAL SEALANT
PROGRAMS
This curriculum is designed to provide school-
based dental sealant program (SBSP) staff with
an understanding of the history, operations, and
principles of SBSPs funded by the Ohio Depart-
ment of Health (ODH). Contents include guide-
lines for infection control and information about
tooth selection and assessment for sealants; the
sealant-application process; and program opera-
tions, with an emphasis on requirements that
apply to programs funded by ODH. [Funded by
the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]
Barzel R, Holt K, Siegal M, eds. 2009. School-
Based Dental Sealant Programs. Washington, DC:
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource
Center. 1 v. http://www.ohiodentalclinics.com/
curricula/sealant.
SCHOOL DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAMS
WHITE PAPER (UPD.)
This paper reflects the Association of State and
Territorial Dental Directors’ stance on school-
based and school-linked dental sealant programs
that follow evidence-based guidelines as part of
a comprehensive community strategy to serve the
greatest number of children and adolescents at
highest risk for dental disease. Contents include
recommendations for school-based and school-
linked dental sealant programs as an important
and effective public health approach that comple-
ments clinical care systems in promoting the oral
health of children and adolescents.
Association of State and Territorial Dental Direc-
tors. 2016. School Dental Sealant Programs White
Paper (upd.). Reno, NV: Association of State and
Territorial Dental Directors. 3 pp. http://www.
astdd.org/docs/school-dental-sealant-programs-
white-paper-01-11-16.doc.
SEAL AMERICA: THE PREVENTION
INVENTION (3RD ED.)
This manual is designed to assist health profes-
sionals in launching and sustaining school-based
dental sealant programs (SBSPs). In addition
to offering a step-wise approach for planning
and implementing SBSPs, this manual addresses
issues related to referring students with unmet
oral health needs to a dental clinic or office.
Health professionals working in established SBSPs
also find the manual of interest as they work
to improve specific aspects of their program.
[Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]
Carter NL, Lowe EA, with the American Associa-
tion for Community Dental Programs and the
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource
Center. 2016. Seal America: The Prevention Inven-
tion (3rd ed.). Washington, DC: National Mater-
nal and Child Oral Health Resource Center. 1 v.
http://mchoralhealth.org/seal.
SEALANTS FOR PREVENTING AND
ARRESTING PIT-AND-FISSURE OCCLUSAL
CARIES IN PRIMARY AND PERMANENT
MOLARS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF
RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS—
A REPORT OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL
ASSOCIATION AND THE AMERICAN
ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
This review summarizes clinical evidence about
the effectiveness of dental sealants for the pre-
vention and management of pit-and-fissure occlu-
sal carious lesions in primary and permanent
molars compared with controls without sealants
and with fluoride varnishes. The review also pro-
vides other head-to-head comparisons. Contents
include type of studies reviewed, results, and
implications for practice.
Wright JT, Tampi MP, Graham L, Estrich C, Crall
JJ, Fontana M, Gillette EJ, Novy BB, Dhar V,
Donly K, Hewlett ER, Quinonez RB, Chaffin J,
Crespin M, Iafolla T, Siegal MD, Carrasco-Labra
A. 2016. Sealants for preventing and arresting pit-
and-fissure occlusal caries in primary and perma-
nent molars: A systematic review of randomized
controlled trials—A report of the American
Dental Association and the American Academy
of Pediatric Dentistry. Journal of the American
Dental Association 147(8):631–645. http://dx.doi.
org/10.1016/j.adaj.2016.06.003.
SMILES ACROSS AMERICA® PRODUCT
DONATION PROJECT
This resource is designed for use by community
or school-based oral health programs in apply-
ing for product donations. Contents include
product-donation eligibility requirements; a
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
13
form for programs to request dental sealant and
fluoride-varnish products as well as toothpaste,
toothbrushes, pumice preppies, dental floss, and
other products; and a reporting form to describe
program results.
Oral Health America. 2004–. Smiles Across Amer-
ica® Product Donation Project. Chicago, IL: Oral
Health America. Multiple items. https://oralhealth
america.org/our-work/smiles-across-america/
product-donation.
WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL-BASED
SEALANT AND FLUORIDE VARNISH
PROGRAM GUIDELINES (3RD ED.)
These guidelines aim to facilitate the implementa-
tion of school-based-dental-sealant and school-
based-fluoride-varnish programs in Washington.
Topics include the assessment of populations
at risk for dental caries, infrastructure, Medicaid
coverage and reimbursement, staffing, policies
and procedures, data collection, scheduling, qual-
ity assurance, sealant and fluoride-varnish guide-
lines, student referral, and process and outcome
evaluation. Information on state laws, memo-
randa of understanding, checklists, products, and
supplies is also provided.
Pyatt J, Spink D, Alves-Dunkerson J. 2012. Wash-
ington State School-Based Sealant and Fluoride
Varnish Program Guidelines (3rd ed.). Olympia,
WA: Washington State Department of Health, Oral
Health Program. 63 pp. http://here.doh.wa.gov/
materials/sealant-fluoride-varnish-guidelines/15_
OHsealguid_E12L.pdf.
WISCONSIN SEAL-A-SMILE
This video for school administrators and staff
describes dental sealants and school-based and
school-linked dental sealant programs in Wiscon-
sin. Topics include program components, admin-
istration, costs, and results.
Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin. 2014.
Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile. Milwaukee, WI: Chil-
dren’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin. 1 video
(3 min., 22 sec.). http://vimeo.com/106293742.
Public Education
ARIZONA SCHOOL-BASED SEALANT
PROGRAM (REV.)
This brochure discusses the importance of dental
sealants in preventing tooth decay in children
and encourages parents and other caregivers to
enroll their children in Arizona’s school-based
dental sealant program for students in grades 2
and 6 who are at risk for tooth decay. Data and
key references from state and national reports on
children’s oral health and overall well-being are
cited throughout the brochure.
Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of
Oral Health. 2011. Arizona School-Based Sealant
Program (rev.). Phoenix, AZ: Arizona Department
of Health Services, Office of Oral Health. 2 pp.
http://www.azdhs.gov/documents/prevention/
womens-childrens-health/oral-health/dental-
programs/arizona-school-based-sealant-program-
information.pdf.
ASK YOUR DENTIST ABOUT SEALANTS
This brochure provides information for parents,
teachers, school nurses, and others about the
benefits of dental sealants and addresses con-
cerns about treatment and costs. Additional topics
include what sealants are, how they work, and
how long they last.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 2012.
Ask Your Dentist About Sealants. Chicago, IL:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 4 pp.
http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/education/
parent_education_brochures.
DENTAL SEALANT FAQS
This resource for the public presents information
on dental sealants. Topics include what sealants
are, why sealing a tooth is better than waiting
for a cavity to form and then filling it, when and
where to obtain sealants, whether they make
teeth feel different, what they look like, how long
they last, and whether they replace fluoride for
protection against cavities. Links to additional
resources on toothbrushing and school-based
dental sealant programs are included.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Divi-
sion of Oral Health. 2016. Dental Sealant FAQs.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
14
Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. 1 p. http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/
dental_sealant_program/sealants.htm.
DENTAL SEALANTS
This fact sheet for consumers provides informa-
tion about dental sealants. Topics include how
sealants prevent cavities, how they are applied,
and who should receive them. The fact sheet is
available in English, Chinese, Hmong, Russian,
Spanish, and Vietnamese.
California Dental Association. N.d. Dental Seal-
ants. Sacramento, CA: California Dental Associa-
tion. 1 p. http://www.cda.org/Portals/0/pdfs/fact_
sheets/sealant_english.pdf.
DENTAL SEALANTS (SELLADORES
DENTALES)
This brochure for parents explains what den-
tal sealants are and how they are used. It also
addresses when a child’s teeth should be sealed
and how long sealants last. Information on
low-cost or no-cost insurance is provided. The
brochure is printed in English on one side and in
Spanish on the other.
Iowa Department of Public Health, I-Smile Dental
Home Initiative. 2013. Dental Sealants (Selladores
Dentales). Des Moines, IA: Iowa Department
of Public Health, Bureau of Oral Health. 2 pp.
http://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/Files/OralHealth
Center/Dental%20Sealants%204.24.13.pdf.
DENTAL SEALANTS KEEP CHILDREN
HEALTHY & READY TO LEARN
This infographic provides information about den-
tal caries (tooth decay) in school-age children and
how dental sealants prevent decay and reduce
costs in Florida. Contents include the percentage
of students in third grade who have untreated
decay, the number and cost of caries-related
emergency department visits, the costs of sealants
vs. fillings, and the potential return on investment.
Information about state programs that provide
preventive oral health services is included.
Florida Department of Health, Public Health Den-
tal Program. 2015. Dental Sealants Keep Children
Healthy & Ready to Learn. Tallahassee, FL: Florida
Department of Health, Public Health Dental
Program. 1 p. http://www.floridahealth.gov/
programs-and-services/community-health/dental-
health/_documents/dental-sealant-roi.pdf.
SCHOOL-BASED DENTAL SEALANT
PROGRAMS
This fact sheet for consumers presents informa-
tion on school-based dental sealant programs
(SBSPs). Topics include what dental sealants
are, what SBSPs are, evidence showing that
the programs work, and recommendations for
programs. Links to resources such as national
reports, fact sheets, best practices, and research
are included.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Divi-
sion of Oral Health. 2015. School-Based Den-
tal Sealant Programs. Atlanta, GA: Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. 1 p. http://www.
cdc.gov/OralHealth/dental_sealant_program.
SEAL IN A SMILE
This video for children addresses the impor-
tance of dental sealants. Live action and anima-
tion are used to demonstrate what sealants are,
how they prevent tooth decay, and how they
are applied.
Ohio Department of Health, Oral Health Pro-
gram; Columbus Public Health Dental Sealant
Program, East Columbus Elementary, Hamilton
Local Elementary. 2016. Seal in a Smile. Colum-
bus, OH: Ohio Department of Health. 1 video
(4 min., 21 sec.). http://progressive.powerstream.
net/008/00153/Seal_in_a_Smile_2016.mp4.
SEAL! MICHIGAN DENTAL SEALANT
PROGRAM: DEVELOPING HEALTHY SMILES
This brochure outlines a dental sealant program
for young children in Michigan. It explains what
dental sealants are, how they are applied, which
teeth should be sealed, tooth decay and preven-
tion, and costs related to sealants. [Funded in part
by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]
Michigan Department of Community Health, Oral
Health Program. 2011. Seal! Michigan Dental
Sealant Program: Developing Healthy Smiles.
Lansing, MI: Michigan Department of Community
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
15
Health, Oral Health Program. 2 pp. http://www.
michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Seal_Michigan_
Brochure-Eng_2011_355791_7.pdf.
SEAL OUT TOOTH DECAY
This resource provides information for health
professionals, parents, and others about dental
sealants. Topics include what sealants are, how
they are applied, why to have them applied, who
should receive them, how long they last, and
how to obtain them. The brochure is available in
English and Spanish.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
Research. 2015. Seal Out Tooth Decay. Bethesda,
MD: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
Research. Multiple items. http://www.nidcr.nih.
gov/OralHealth/Topics/ToothDecay/SealOut
ToothDecay.htm.
State and Local Program
Reports
ARKANSAS STATE DENTAL SEALANT PLAN
(REV.)
This document outlines a plan to promote the
placement of dental sealants for children through-
out the state of Arkansas. Contents include infor-
mation about previous sealant efforts, a needs
assessment, and information about the revision
of the state sealant program. Additional topics
include infrastructure, funding, and environment;
the evaluation plan; and sustainability.
Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Oral
Health. 2013. Arkansas State Dental Sealant Plan
(rev.). Little Rock, AR: Arkansas Department
of Health, Office of Oral Health. 21 pp. http://
www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/
oralhealth/Documents/DentalSealantPlan.pdf.
I-SMILE™ @ SCHOOL: 2015 REPORT ON THE
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH’S
SCHOOL-BASED SEALANT PROGRAM
This report describes the services and impact of
a school-based dental sealant program to pre-
vent oral disease and improve the oral health of
children in Iowa. The program provides students
with onsite screening, sealants, fluoride varnish,
oral health education, and care-coordination
services. Topics include trends in the number of
children who were screened, the number of chil-
dren who received sealants, the number of seal-
ants placed, and the number of counties served.
The report also documents the number of cavities
averted due to program services and gives an
example of a success story.
Chickering S, Meister S. 2016. I-Smile™ @ School:
2015 Report on the Iowa Department of Public
Health’s School-Based Sealant Program. Des
Moines, IA: Iowa Department of Public Health,
Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems. 4
pp. http://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/userfiles/34/
ohc_reports/iss_report_04142016.pdf.
KANSAS SEALANT PLAN
This document provides an overview of demo-
graphics and barriers to oral health in Kansas and
describes the role of state oral health programs
and policy in improving oral health and oral
health care in the state. Topics include Kansas’s
school-based dental sealant program infrastructure,
needs assessment, outcomes, evaluation, sustain-
ability, and expansion. Sample forms, the evalua-
tion survey, and a sample contract are included.
Ferguson J. 2012. Kansas Sealant Plan. Topeka,
KA: Kansas Department of Health and Environ-
ment, Bureau of Oral Health. 56 pp. http://www.
kdheks.gov/ohi/download/Sealant_Plan.pdf.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF SCHOOL-BASED
DENTAL SEALANT CAPACITY AND PRIORITY
POPULATIONS IN ARKANSAS
This report identifies elementary schools in which
50 percent or more of students are eligible for
free and reduced lunch (defined as high-risk)
and existing dental sealant programs in Arkansas.
Topics include the number of high-risk schools
by county, the number of students in high-risk
schools by county, high-risk schools with sealant
programs, and high-risk schools by county with
available dental offices.
Phillips M, Mauldin J, Simpson N, Whitaker B.
2013. Needs Assessment of School-Based Dental
Sealant Capacity and Priority Populations in
Arkansas. Little Rock, AR: Arkansas Department
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
16
of Health, Office of Oral Health. 21 pp. http://
www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/
oralhealth/Documents/Needsassessmentandtitles.
pdf.
PARTNERING TO SEAL-A-SMILE: A REPORT
ON THE SUCCESS OF WISCONSIN SCHOOL-
BASED DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAMS
This report provides an overview of Wisconsin’s
Seal-A-Smile program, including highlights of the
program’s expansion and findings from data col-
lected annually from 2005 to 2010, as well as data
collected from other school-based dental sealant
programs. Topics include dental caries rates, chil-
dren served, dental-sealant-retention rates, and
other measures.
Crespin M, Eichenbaum A, Madormo C. 2012.
Partnering to Seal-A-Smile: A Report on the Suc-
cess of Wisconsin School-Based Dental Sealant
Programs. Milwaukee, WI: Children’s Health
Alliance of Wisconsin. 70 pp. http://www.
chawisconsin.org/documents/PartneringSeal
ASmile2012.pdf.
SEAL RI! SCHOOL BASED DENTAL SEALANT
PROGRAM 2013–14
This map provides data from SEAL RI!, a partner-
ship between the Rhode Island Department of
Health and community organizations, to identify
free oral health services, such as dental sealants,
to children while they are in school. Contents of
the site are presented by school district. Top-
ics include the percentage of schools served
by SEAL RI!, the percentage of schools with 50
percent or more of students eligible for the Free
and Reduced School Meal Program (FSRM), the
percentage of schools with 50 percent or more
students eligible for FSRM and served by SEAL
RI!, the percentage of students in first through
third grades screened by SEAL RI!, and the per-
centage of students in first through third grades
who received at least one first molar sealant.
Rhode Island Department of Health, SEAL RI!
Program. 2015. Seal RI! School Based Dental Seal-
ant Program 2013 –14. Providence, RI: Rhode
Island Department of Health, SEAL RI! Program.
1 item. http://rihealth.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Map
Tour/?appid=e4543f8a3d6d431e9cedef37c29532a.
SEALANTS FOR SMILES ®

This document summarizes data from a program

to provide school-based oral health education
and dental sealants to students in second and
sixth grades in Utah. Contents include the num-
ber of school visits and the number of children
who participated in oral health education, the
number of children who were evaluated by a
Utah-licensed oral health professional, the num-
ber of dental sealants placed on children’s teeth,
and the estimated value of the oral health ser-
vices provided at no cost to parents or schools.
A program description is also available.
Utah Department of Health, Oral Health Program.
2013. Sealants for Smiles ®. Salt Lake City, UT:
Utah Department of Health, Division of Commu-
nity and Family Health Services, Oral Health Pro-
gram. 2 items. http://health.utah.gov/oralhealth/
resources/6%20Year%20Summary%20Report%20
2007-2013.pdf.

TEXAS THIRD GRADE ORAL HEALTH BASIC

SCREENING SURVEY RESULTS

This document presents findings from a public-

school-based screening survey to collect oral
health data consistent with national standards.
Topics include percentages of students in third
grade with dental sealants. Comparisons from
statewide samples against Healthy People 2020
goals are included.
Texas Department of State Health Services, Oral
Health Program. 2015. Texas Third Grade Oral
Health Basic Screening Survey Results. Austin, TX:
Texas Department of State Health Services, Oral
Health Program. 1 p. https://www.dshs.texas.
gov/WorkArea/linkitaspx?LinkIdentifier=id&Item
ID=8589998717.

D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
17
Organizations
 Organizations
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’
DENTISTRY ASSOCIATION
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1600 444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400
Chicago, IL 60611-2637 Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: (312) 337-2169 Telephone: (312) 440-8900
Fax: (312) 337-6329 Website: http://www.adha.org
Website: http://www.aapd.org
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (ADHA) works to ensure access to high-quality
(AAPD) works to achieve optimal oral health for oral health care; promote dental hygiene educa-
all children and adolescents, including those with tion, licensure, practice, and research; and repre-
special health care needs. AAPD serves primary sent the legislative interests of dental hygienists
care and specialty pediatric dentists, as well as at the local, state, and federal levels. ADHA
general dentists who treat children and adoles- serves dental hygienists with the goal of helping
cents in their practices. them achieve their full potential as they seek to
improve the public’s oral health.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY

DENTAL PROGRAMS ASSOCIATION OF STATE AND TERRITORIAL
635 West Seventh Street, Suite 309 DENTAL DIRECTORS
Cincinnati, OH 45203 3858 Cashill Boulevard
Telephone: (513) 621-0248 Reno, NV 89509
Fax: (513) 621-0288 Telephone: (775) 626-5008
E-mail: info@aacdp.org Fax: (775) 626-9268
Website: http://www.aacdp.com Website: http://www.astdd.org

The American Association for Community Dental The Association of State and Territorial Den-
Programs (AACDP) supports the efforts of staff tal Directors promotes the establishment of
working in city-, county-, and community-based national dental public health policy, assists state
programs serving the oral health needs of vulner- oral health programs in the development and
able populations. AACDP publishes a newsletter implementation of programs and policies for
and sponsors training seminars. preventing oral disease, builds awareness and
strengthens public health professionals’ knowl-
edge and skills by developing position papers
AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION and policy statements, provides information on
211 East Chicago Avenue oral health to health officials and policymakers,
Chicago, IL 60611-2678 and conducts conferences for the dental public
Telephone: (312) 440-2500 health community.
Fax: (312) 440-7494
E-mail: info@ada.org
Website: http://www.ada.org; http://www.mouth
healthy.org

The American Dental Association (ADA) provides

oral health information to dentists and consumers
and works to advance the dental profession at
the national, state, and local levels. ADA initia-
tives include those related to advocacy, educa-
tion, research, and the development of standards.

D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
19
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND
PREVENTION
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027
Telephone: (800) 232-4636
E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Website: http://www.cdc.gov
Division of Oral Health: http://www.cdc.gov/
oralhealth
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) works to combat disease and supports
communities and citizens to do the same. CDC’s
Division of Oral Health strives to improve oral
health and reduce oral health disparities by help-
ing states improve their oral health programs,
extending the use of proven strategies to prevent
oral disease, enhancing efforts to monitor oral
disease, contributing to the scientific knowledge
base related to oral health and oral disease, and
guiding infection control in dentistry.
INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Website: https://www.ihs.gov/index.cfm
Dental portal: https://www.ihs.gov/DOH
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is responsible for
providing federal health services, including oral
health services, to American Indians and Alaska
Natives. The IHS dental portal serves as a cen-
tralized location where staff who work in Indian
health care can locate resources to support the
operation of effective clinical and community oral
health programs.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU
Health Resources and Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Parklawn Building
Rockville, MD 20857
Telephone: (301) 443-2753
E-mail: pvodicka@hrsa.gov
Website: http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov
The Maternal and Child Health Bureau provides
leadership, in partnership with stakeholders, to
improve the physical, mental, and oral health;
safety; and well-being of the maternal and child
health population, which includes all women,
infants, children, and adolescents and their
families.
D E N TA L S E A L A N T S : A R E S O U R C E G U I D E
20
NATIONAL MATERNAL AND CHILD ORAL
HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
Georgetown University
Box 571272
Washington, DC 20057-1272
Telephone: (202) 784-9771
E-mail: OHRCinfo@georgetown.edu
Website: http://www.mchoralhealth.org
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health
Resource Center responds to the needs of profes-
sionals working in states and communities with
the goal of improving oral health services for
pregnant women, infants, children, and adoles-
cents, including those with special health care
needs, and their families (MCH population). The
resource center collaborates with government
agencies, professional associations, foundations,
policy and research centers, and voluntary orga-
nizations to gather, develop, and share informa-
tion and materials to promote sustainable oral
health services for the MCH population.
ORAL HEALTH AMERICA
180 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1150
Chicago, IL 60611-4211
Telephone: (312) 836-9900
Fax: (312) 836-9986
E-mail: info@oralhealthamerica.org
Website: http://www.oralhealthamerica.org
Oral Health America connects communities
with resources to drive access to care, increase
health literacy, and advocate for policies that
improve overall health through better oral health
for all Americans, including those who are most
vulnerable.
 Materials Produced by the
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
n Maryland Mighty Tooth: School-Based Dental Sealant
Training Program [curriculum]
http://mightytoothcurriculum.com
n Preventing Tooth Decay and Saving Teeth with Dental
Sealants (3rd ed.) [fact sheet]
http://www.mchoralhealth.org/pdfs/OHDentSealant
Factsheet.pdf
n Resource Highlights: Dental Sealants [resource guide]
http://www.mchoralhealth.org/highlights/dental-sealants.php
n School-Based Dental Sealant Programs [curriculum]
http://www.ohiodentalclinics.com/curricula/sealant
n Seal America: The Prevention Invention (3rd ed.) [manual]
http://mchoralhealth.org/seal