Michelle P Vaughan, DDS, mary h mcclean, RDH, and Kimberlee D. Wyche, MD, MPH. Metro Public Health Department, Metro Public Health Department, 1015 East Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-862-6727, michelle.vaughan@nashville.gov

Objective- Despite improvements in oral health through Public Health measures such as water fluoridation, a disproportionate number of children from low socioeconomic groups are affected by dental caries. Furthermore, the implementation of water fluoridation has led to a new distribution of dental caries affecting predominately the occlusal surfaces of posterior permanent teeth. Therefore, a Public Health measure, which targets low socioeconomic groups and employs a method proven effective in the prevention of caries on the occlusal surfaces of posterior permanent teeth, would reduce dental caries.

Method- Through the local health department, portable dental equipment is set up in schools with 50% or more of the students participating in the free and reduced lunch program. Children who return consent forms are examined by a public health dentist and receive dental sealants from a dental hygienist. Children with untreated caries are referred to the local health department’s dental clinic.

Results- Since the inception of the program, there has been a reduction in the rate of untreated oral disease in targeted schools from 44% to 42%. Approximately 12,000 children have received dental sealants through this program since 2001.

Conclusion- This program has proven to be an innovative and cost-effective way to deliver preventive dental services to children in low socioeconomic groups who might never receive them otherwise. Disease rates have demonstrated a downward trend, and have the potential to further decrease. Finally, every thirty dollars spent on a dental sealant has the potential to prevent approximately fifteen hundred dollars in dental restorative care.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Describe dental sealants and their effectiveness.
• Discuss the advantages of providing prevntive dental services in a shcool-based setting to chidlren of low socioeconomic status.
• Apply school-based preventive techniques in their own communities.

Keywords: Oral Health Outcomes,

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.