Category:

Dental Sealants in the Prevention of Tooth Decay

Learning Objectives

After completing the course, you’ll be able to:

  1. Put into practice the recommendations of the National Institutes of Health’s recommendations concerning the use of dental sealants.
  2. Explain the need for sealants in face of the generalized decrease in caries due to the current widespread use of fluorides.
  3. Classify acid-etch resin sealants into three types and identify the most effective curing method.
  4. Discuss with a patient the risks associated with the use of sealants.
  5. Discuss the indications for using sealants as a part of individual and community-based caries preventive programs.
  6. Describe the clinical procedure for sealant application.
  7. Identify the most common reason for sealant failure.
  8. List 10 factors that have contributed to the underutilization of sealants by dental professionals.
  9. Identify areas for continuing research on dental sealants.

To assess the effectiveness of the course material, we ask that you evaluate your achievement of each learning objective on a scale of A to D (A=excellent, B=good, C=fair, D=unsatisfactory). Please indicate your responses next to each learning objective and return it to us with your completed exam.

Course Contents

  • Introduction and Conclusions
    • Panel’s Conclusions
    • With the Current Widespread Use of Fluorides and the Generalized Decrease in Caries
    • Experience Among Children, Is There a Need for Sealants?
  • How Effective Are Sealants?
  • Are There Risks Associated With the Use of Sealants?
  • What Are the Indications for Using Sealants in Individual and Community-Based Caries Preventive Programs?
    • Individual Programs
    • Community-Based Programs
    • Minority Opinion — Robert M. Veatch, Ph.D.
    • What Factors Have Influenced and Should Influence the Adoption and Utilization of Sealants for Caries Prevention?
    • Consensus Development Panel
    • Speakers
    • Planning Committee
    • Conference Sponsors
  • Pennsylvania Dental Association Says Dental Sealants An Effective Weapon Against Decay
    • Who are the likely beneficiaries of dental sealants?
    • Dental Sealants Reduce the Number of Cavities and Costs for Cavity-Prone, Medicaid-Insured Children
    • What Is the Current Status of Sealant Research and What Should Be the Research Priorities for Sealants and Their Implementation?
    • School-based Sealant Program Reduces Disparities in Sealant Use