Dallas County Sealant Initiative

Dental caries (tooth decay) is a preventable disease. Yet national studies show that 84% of 17 year olds still suffer from tooth decay. In fact, 75% of the caries is now seen in 25% of the children. Children who have been shown to be at greatest risk of caries tend to be low income, and recently immigrated to the U.S. Studies have demonstrated that caries can be prevented with the use of fluoride and sealants. Fluorides through community water fluoridation, toothpastes and professional application protect the smooth surfaces of the teeth. Sealants provide an effective barrier on the pits and fissures (chewing surfaces of back teeth) that prevent bacteria from causing caries. Since 80% of the cavities are occurring on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, sealants are an effective method to prevent the most common of childhood diseases. The purpose of this program is to improve the oral health of the school children of Dallas County by increasing the use of sealants through a unique collaboration of community organizations. The community partners include: Dallas County Dental Society, Communities in Schools, DISD, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dental Health programs, Inc., Community Council of Greater Dallas, Children's Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dentsply International and Colgate-Palmolive Co. and the Baylor Oral Health Foundation. Each partner brings distinct resources to this community partnership. The Crystal Charity Ball Committee and the Baylor Oral Health Foundation jointly provided start-up funding for this project.