photo of smiling children

School-based Dental Sealant Program

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) School-based Dental Sealant Program (SDSP) is part of a comprehensive state-wide Oral Health Program to promote evidenced-based prevention strategies in order to achieve optimal oral health for all Minnesotans. Funding for Minnesota’s Oral Health Program is provided by grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

photo of tooth without sealant

Sealant FAQs

  • What are dental sealants?
    • Sealants are clear or white in color and cover the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Sealants are put on permanent teeth to help keep them cavity free.
  • How do sealants work?
    • Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is very hard – sometimes impossible – to clean the tiny grooves and pits on back teeth. Food and germs hide in these spots to cause tooth decay. Sealants “seal out” food and germs and will help protect your child’s teeth.
  • How long do sealants last?
    • Research shows that sealants can last for many years. Your child’s teeth will be protected through the most decay prone years. The sealants will last longer if your child takes good care of their teeth and avoids biting hard objects. At your child’s regular dental check-up, the sealants will be checked and more sealant may be applied if missing.
  • How are sealants put on the teeth?
    • Sealants are quick and easy. First the tooth is cleaned and a special liquid is placed on the tooth to get it ready. Next, the special liquid is dried allowing the sealants to flow into the grooves of the tooth. Lastly, it is hardened with a special light. Once the sealant is placed, your child may eat right away.
  • Which teeth should be sealed?
    • The teeth most likely to get decay are the ones with grooves and fissures so the most important teeth to seal are the first and second permanent molars.
  • If my child has sealants, are brushing and flossing still important?
    • Yes! Sealants are only one part of the plan to keep your child from getting cavities. Brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods with limited snacking and regular check ups at your dentist will give your child a healthy smile.
  • Will sealants replace fluoride?
    • No. Fluorides such as those used in fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, and fluoride mouthrinses help prevent decay on the smooth sides of the teeth. However, fluorides help the teeth less on the rough, pitted chewing surfaces of the back teeth where food particles and decay-producing bacteria are trapped. Sealants are more effective on these areas than fluoride.
  • Have sealants been tested to be safe and proven to work?
    • Yes. Tens of thousands of children across the United States and in other countries have had their teeth successfully sealed. Studies show sealants to be safe, effective, easy to apply and less costly compared to fillings. School-based dental sealant programs have been approved by the American Dental Association, the Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Surgeon General.
  • How are dental sealants different than fluoride varnish?
    • Fluoride varnish and dental sealants are different substances that both protect children's teeth from decay. Fluoride varnish protects your child's first teeth, called primary teeth. It is applied twice per year from age one to age six or seven when a child gets permanent teeth. Fluoride varnish works by repairing (remineralizing) gaps in the tooth enamel, protecting teeth from plaque.
      Once children have their permanent teeth, dental sealants provide the protection for the back teeth, or molars. Dental sealants cover the deep grooves in permanent molars so that decay is much less likely to start. Sealants are applied when children get their first molars between five to seven years of age and when they get their second set of permanent molars around the age of eleven to fourteen.
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Referral Center

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is a great resource. DHS has established a call center where you can get information about programs and eligibility. The DHS call center can be reached at: 651-431-2670 or 800-657-3739.

United Way 2-1-1 and Portico Healthnet are partnering to offer 24/7 information and referral assistance to individuals and families who may be eligible for Medical Assistance. The eligibility rules for Medical Assistance coverage changed on March 1, 2011, and more people are now able to qualify. For more information, call United Way 2-1-1 at 1-800-543-7709 (statewide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Callers needing further assistance will be transferred to Portico Healthnet. Portico staff will:

  • Answer your questions about Medical Assistance & MinnesotaCare
  • Help you understand your options for health care
  • Assist you with applications for health coverage programs
  • Give you information about low-cost clinics and other health care resources in your area

Individuals who do not qualify for Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) can get information about low-cost clinics and prescription assistance.

Updated Tuesday, 01-May-2012 09:49:48 CDT