The school-based dental sealant program provides sealants and other preventative dental services to children.
School-based sealant programs are one of the leading evidence-based interventions to prevent tooth decay. These services are provided at Title I schools throughout Citrus County by the Florida Department of Health.
Check with your child’s school to determine when the dental sealant program will be there. Parent/guardian consent forms (Spanish) are required for services.
Sealants
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, often leading to pain, school absenteeism, and poor school performance. We offer dental sealants as a preventive measure to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Sealants are thin plastic coatings that keep food and germs out of the chewing surfaces of the teeth, effectively reducing the risk of cavities.
Sealants are typically applied to the back teeth, known as molars and premolars, as soon as they appear in the mouth, usually around the age of five or six. The application process is quick and painless. First, the chewing surfaces of the teeth are cleaned to help the sealant adhere properly. Then, the sealant is painted into the grooves of the chewing surface, where it bonds to the tooth. A special light is used to harden the sealant. Sealants generally last about five years or longer and should be checked annually.
Who qualifies for the program?
Preventative dental services will be provided to students in grades kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th, in Citrus County Title I schools.
What services does the School-Based Dental Sealant Program provide?
- Dental health education
- Dental screenings/assessments
- Sealants, if indicated
- Fluoride treatments
- Goodie bag with oral hygiene supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste etc.)
Who pays for the dental services?
- If your child has Medicaid, then Medicaid will be billed.
- If your child does not have Medicaid, then the dental program will cover the costs.
Taking Care of Your Child’s Oral Health
Dental health care for children varies by age because their mouths and teeth develop in stages, each with unique needs. Each stage builds on the last, supporting long-term oral health and proper development.