Corinna S. Culler, RDH, MPH, Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research, Boston University, Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 715 Albany Street, 560, Room 326, Boston, MA 02118-2526, 617-638-4918, cculler@bu.edu and Michelle Henshaw, DMD, MPH, Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118-2526.

Introduction: During the 2001-2002 school year, sealants were placed on 760 1st molar teeth of 227 second grade student in the Chelsea, Massachusetts public schools. During the following year, 575 sealed teeth (174 students) were rechecked. Objective: To evaluate retention rates of dental sealants placed in a school-based setting and to investigate possible indicators to predict sealant retention. Methods: Each student who received a dental sealant during the 2001-2002 school year was reexamined one year later. Sealants were categorized as intact, partially intact, or lost. These categories were then compared to student and program characteristics using EpiInfo software. Results: 75% of sealants were intact after one year, 12% were partially intact, and 12% were lost. There was no significant difference in rate of retention by student characteristics such as age, race, native language, enrollment in school lunch program (surrogate for income), or students’ level of cooperation during sealant placement. There was no relationship between sealant retention and amount of plaque or decay. There was no difference in sealant retention by right or left side of the mouth. Sealant place upon maxillary teeth were significantly more likely to be lost than those placed on mandibular teeth (p.<0.01). Conclusions: The only predictor of sealant retention in this group was arch of placement. Attempts to improve retention will focus on ensuring a dry field on the maxilla. A second year of retention data will soon be available.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• Describe the process of placing dental sealants and checking retention in a school based sealant program.
• Identify factors effecting dental sealant retention.
• Discuss methods to increase dental sealant retention rates.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.