Arizona Dental Sealant Program
A Good Idea
Description
The goal of the Arizona Dental Sealant Program is to reduce dental caries among second and sixth grade students who attend eligible schools.
The Arizona Department of Health Services administers the program through their Office of Oral Health by contracting with county health departments and individual providers. In order to be deemed eligible, a high proportion of students attending a school must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. After eligibility is determined, schools are scheduled for dental screenings and care is delivered at the schools using portable dental equipment.
The Arizona Department of Health Services administers the program through their Office of Oral Health by contracting with county health departments and individual providers. In order to be deemed eligible, a high proportion of students attending a school must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. After eligibility is determined, schools are scheduled for dental screenings and care is delivered at the schools using portable dental equipment.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Arizona Dental Sealant Program is to reduce dental caries in children.
Results / Accomplishments
During the 2007-2008 school year, 10,481 second and sixth grade students received a dental screening and 7,860 of those students received dental sealants.
Retention of sealants is required to prevent tooth decay. Thus, 25% of students who received sealants in 2nd and 6th grade were randomly selected when they reached 3rd and 7th grade to check for retention of sealants. Of the students sampled, 70% had fully retained their sealants.
Retention of sealants is required to prevent tooth decay. Thus, 25% of students who received sealants in 2nd and 6th grade were randomly selected when they reached 3rd and 7th grade to check for retention of sealants. Of the students sampled, 70% had fully retained their sealants.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Arizona Department of Health Services
Primary Contact
Julia Wacloff
Arizona Department of Health Services
Office of Oral Health
150 N. 18th Ave. #320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-1866
julia.wacloff@azdhs.gov
http://azdhs.gov/phs/owch/oral-health/dental-progr...
Arizona Department of Health Services
Office of Oral Health
150 N. 18th Ave. #320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-1866
julia.wacloff@azdhs.gov
http://azdhs.gov/phs/owch/oral-health/dental-progr...
Topics
Health / Oral Health
Organization(s)
Arizona Department of Health Services
Source
ASTDD (Association of State & Territorial Dental Directors)
Date of publication
Sep 2009
Date of implementation
1987
Location
Arizona
Target Audience
Children