Status: Getting worse
Most Recent Data:
25.4
percent
(2017-20)
Target:
42.5
percent
Desired Direction:
Increase desired
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
Increase the proportion of children and adolescents who have received dental sealants on 1 or more of their primary or permanent molar teeth
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
