Scrutinizing the Efficacy of School Based Dental Sealant Programs at Risk Populations: a research study on Community Dentistry

Abstract

Despite advancements in the prevention of dental caries, persistent inequalities among disadvantaged populations demonstrate a continued need for health promotion efforts such as school-based dental sealant programs. Community dentists have important functions in public health, working primarily on field preventive actions with a view to better oral conditions of the population. Aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of school-based dental sealant programs in preventing caries among at-risk populations,
primarily defined as low-income or underserved children. The intervention consisted of dental sealants applied to qualifying teeth, along with oral health education. Dental caries incidence (follow-up period) was analysed using standardised dental examinations, and statistical methods were applied to test differences between intervention/ control groups. Randomised controlled trial Participants/setting: Juveniles were recruited in schools of the targeted communities.