What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars (the back teeth) to prevent dental decay (cavities). The chewing surfaces on the back teeth are uneven because they have small pits and grooves. Food and bacteria can get stuck in the pits where toothbrush bristles, floss, and rinses cannot remove them. By covering the chewing surfaces of the molars, sealants keep out the bacteria and food that cause decay. Sealants are safe, painless, and take only minutes for a dental professional to apply. Teeth are brushed clean and sealants are painted onto the teeth. No drilling or anesthesia is required.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible schools are defined as those located in urban areas in which more than 50 percent of the student population of that school participates in Federal or State free and reduced lunch programs; and rural school districts having a median income that is at or below 235 percent of the federal poverty line. Parental permissions for children to receive dental sealants are required.

Join the Program

To get your school involved, please contact: