Oral Disease Prevention Project

Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where most tooth decay in children and teens occur. Sealants are a vital part of oral health prevention because they prevent cavities and eliminate the progression of existing cavities.

The Oral Health Program works with community partners to provide dental sealants in participating WV public schools. Dental professionals come to the school to apply the sealants and conduct a brief oral health assessment for students who have not seen a dentist in the past 12 months. Students are then linked with a dentist to establish a dental home where they can be seen for routine dental care. School-based sealant projects are especially important for reaching children who may not otherwise receive them.

Resources: