Cavity Prevention Network
Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation conducts and funds school-based sealant clinics to prevent cavities among children through our Cavity Prevention Network. These onsite clinics are available free of charge to Oklahoma elementary schools.
School-based sealant clinics provide free dental sealants, fluoride varnish and oral health instruction at school during school hours.
This is important because sealants need to be placed as soon as possible after permanent molars come in: That's around 2nd grade (1st molars) and 6th grade (2nd molars). A school-based sealant program helps ensure that at-risk children receive this important preventive treatment in a timely manner and refers them to nearby dental practices for ongoing care.
What Are Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to seal out cavity-causing bacteria.
Sealants prevent cavities!
9 out of 10 cavities occur in molars. Sealants prevent 80% of the cavities in molars! Dental sealant placement is easy and painless. No shots or drilling.
Tooth Without Sealant
Notice the pits and grooves that can easily trap the food and bacteria that cause cavities.
Sealant is Applied
Sealant material is painted on and hardened with a curing light.
Tooth with Final Sealant
The pits and grooves are sealed and the tooth’s biting surface is protected for years.
Images from the CDC
For More Information
Oklahoma Elementary School principals are encouraged to call us for more information about bringing a free Delta Dental Cavity Prevention Clinic to their schools.
To contact a member of our team see our staff directory