Event Title
Analysis of SEAL! Michigan Dental Sealant Programs in Jackson and Ingham Counties
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: Ingham County has been a grantee of the SEAL! Michigan Dental Sealant Program, which provides free sealants to children in schools where over 50% of students participate in free/reduced lunch programs. This research examines data from three fiscal years to determine the impact of the sealant program. SUBJECTS: Between 2011-2014, 2823 students with a signed parental consent form were seen in Ingham County schools by a dental professional for an initial screening, sealant placement, if indicated, and a topical fluoride varnish. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Screening, procedure, and follow up data were collected by the dental professional for each student via a standardized data collection form. ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics were used to determine differences in oral health indicators. Statistical significance was determined at the 0.05 level via Chi-square or t-test analysis. RESULTS: Over 50% of students needed a sealant on occlusal surfaces of first molars. Students who did not receive a sealant on their first molars were statistically significantly older than those who received a sealant (9.02 ± 1.56 vs. 9.15 ± 2.13, p-value <0.001). Statistically significant differences were also observed for fiscal year 2012, 2013, and 2014 in untreated cavities, previous caries experience, and urgent dental care needs (p=0.000). No statistical significant differences were found based on gender or race. CONCLUSIONS: The SEAL! Michigan program in Ingham County has been effective in providing much needed oral health services to an underserved population. The Ingham County program serves as a model for future sealant programs in the state of Michigan.
Analysis of SEAL! Michigan Dental Sealant Programs in Jackson and Ingham Counties
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: Ingham County has been a grantee of the SEAL! Michigan Dental Sealant Program, which provides free sealants to children in schools where over 50% of students participate in free/reduced lunch programs. This research examines data from three fiscal years to determine the impact of the sealant program. SUBJECTS: Between 2011-2014, 2823 students with a signed parental consent form were seen in Ingham County schools by a dental professional for an initial screening, sealant placement, if indicated, and a topical fluoride varnish. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Screening, procedure, and follow up data were collected by the dental professional for each student via a standardized data collection form. ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics were used to determine differences in oral health indicators. Statistical significance was determined at the 0.05 level via Chi-square or t-test analysis. RESULTS: Over 50% of students needed a sealant on occlusal surfaces of first molars. Students who did not receive a sealant on their first molars were statistically significantly older than those who received a sealant (9.02 ± 1.56 vs. 9.15 ± 2.13, p-value <0.001). Statistically significant differences were also observed for fiscal year 2012, 2013, and 2014 in untreated cavities, previous caries experience, and urgent dental care needs (p=0.000). No statistical significant differences were found based on gender or race. CONCLUSIONS: The SEAL! Michigan program in Ingham County has been effective in providing much needed oral health services to an underserved population. The Ingham County program serves as a model for future sealant programs in the state of Michigan.