While the use of dental sealants is recognized as a cost-effective andproven method of reducing the incidence of dental caries in high-riskpopulations, sealant use in California remains low, especially amonglow-income children who have the highest risk of developing tooth decay.
The [removed]California Dental Association (CDA)[/removed], Sacramento, Calif, devoted its [removed]October issue[/removed] of the Journal of the California Dental Associationto evidence-based recommendations intended to help dental andorthodontic professionals make sealant recommendations to patients, makeplacement decisions, and increase use.
This issue of the journal includes information on the science related tosealant application, a comparison of types of sealant materialsavailable, tooth preparation, and the use of adhesives prior to sealantplacement. The information is based on the ADA’s 2008 sealantguidelines. The journal also includes prevention and managementprotocols based on caries risk assessment.
"Dental sealants can reduce the incidence of tooth decay in schoolchildren by more than 70%," said Paul Reggiardo, DDS, chair of the CDAPolicy Development Council’s 2008 Sealant Workgroup. "The Journal’srecommendations give oral health care providers effective guidelines onthe utilization and placement of sealants."
The CDA also has published a new dental sealant resource [removed]fact sheet and patient education flyer[/removed].The fact sheet is printed in multiple languages and containsinformation about the benefits of sealants, which are proven to be themost effective method of reducing cavities in children.
