Status: Baseline only
Increase the proportion of children and adolescents who have received dental sealants on 1 or more of their primary or permanent molar teeth
Baseline: 37.0 percent of children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 years had received dental sealants on 1 or more of their primary and permanent molar teeth in 2013-16
Target: 42.5 percent
Summary
Dental sealants, or thin plastic coatings painted on teeth, can prevent tooth decay. But many children and adolescents don’t get dental sealants, and there are disparities by race/ethnicity and income. Providing sealants through school-based programs is an effective way to increase their use.
Topics: Oral Conditions, Adolescents , Children, Health Care, Preventive Care, Schools
Workgroup: Oral Health Workgroup