Definition

Percentage of children aged 6-9 years with a clinical confirmation of dental sealants applied to one or more permanent molars.

Numerator

Number of children aged 6-9 years who participated in the school dental health survey with a clinical confirmation of dental sealants applied to one or more permanent molars.

Denominator

Number of children aged 6-9 years who participated in the school dental health survey.

Why Is This Important?

A large amount of a child's dental decay is found on the occlusal or biting surface of the tooth. Occlusal sealants form a barrier to protect this part of the tooth. The occlusal surface of teeth with deep pits and fissures are difficult to clean and therefore this part of the tooth is more susceptible to decay. For more information visit [http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/faqs/sealants.htm CDC - Dental Sealants] website.

Healthy People Objective OH-12.2:

Increase the proportion of children aged 6 to 9 years who have received dental sealants on one or more of their permanent first molar teeth
U.S. target: 28.1 percent

How Are We Doing?

Sealants have proven to be an effective decay preventive measure for children when placed on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The most recent survey (2015) indicates that 44.9% of 6-9-year-old children have at least one sealant on their first permanent molar.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

With 44.9% if the 6-9 year-old children having a sealant, Utah ranks higher than the Healthy People 2020 goal of 28.1%.

What Is Being Done?

Dental insurance coverage for sealants influences their use. CHIP and Medicaid cover sealants to promote dental health in those at-risk populations. Local health departments and institutions with dental hygiene education programs conduct sealant placement projects for low-income children. Sealant for Smiles is benefiting children in Salt Lake, Davis, and Tooele County.

Available Services

As of September 2017, Medicaid includes basic dental care for children, pregnant women, and disabled adults. There is only emergency coverage for most other adults. For information call 801-538-6155, or 1-800-662-9651 or visit [https://medicaid.utah.gov/]. CHIP includes preventive and restorative services for children. For more information call 1-877-KIDS-NOW or visit [http://health.utah.gov/chip/]. There are a few dental clinics that provide services on a sliding fee scale or at a reduced rate. For more information on these clinics, contact your local health department or the State Oral Health Program at (801) 273-2995, or visit the [http://health.utah.gov/oralhealth/dentist.php Oral Health Program - Find a Dentist] website. Dental Hygiene Schools throughout the state of Utah offer preventive services including sealants and fluoride treatments. Dental Schools also offer treatment services in addition. Contact the UDOH Oral Health Program at (801) 273-2995, or visit the [http://health.utah.gov/oralhealth Oral Health Program] website for more information. [http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/oral-health Link for Healthy People 2020 for Oral Health]

Health Program Information

For other oral health related reports, click on the Health Topics tab, then click on Dental, then click on the + to the right of Publications.

Relevant Population Characteristics

Dental disease affects children from poor families five times as much as children from higher income families. Minority ethnic populations have a higher incidence of caries experience and untreated caries and a lower rate of sealant placement.

Health Care System Factors

Private dental insurance often covers sealant placement with some exclusions. Medicaid and CHIP include sealant coverage for low-income children; however, access remains a barrier to treatment. Individuals without dental insurance coverage are less likely to have sealants.

Risk Factors

The occlusal surface of teeth with deep pits and fissures are difficult to clean and therefore this part of the tooth is more susceptible to decay.

Data Notes

It was planned to complete the next survey during the 2020-21 school year, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was cancelled. The date of the next survey is uncertain and depends on multiple factors including the length of the pandemic and future funding for the survey.

Data Source

Utah Oral Health Survey, Utah Department of Health