Performance of sealants applied to first permanent molars in a dental school setting.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of sealants placed by senior dental students as part of a comprehensive dental care program that included periodic patient recall. METHODS The dental records of 100 patients ranging in age from 6 to 13 years were selected for review to determine the treatments provided for first permanent molars over time. Criteria for inclusion were: 1) at least five documented recall examinations and 2) all four first permanent molars had to have been treated with an occlusal pit and fissure sealant. The data collected included: 1) the age of the patient at the time of initial sealant placement; 2) the subsequent treatment provided to the first permanent molars, including retreatment with sealant or restoration and the date the services were provided; 3) the last date of follow-up examination in the pediatric dental program. RESULTS A total of 400 molars were followed for an average of 54 months. Fifty-two percent of all molars received no further treatment after initial placement of sealant. Approximately 35% received retreatment with sealant only. The total number of molars receiving sealant material only was 343 (86%). The total number of teeth that were judged to require restoration was 57 (14%). No relationship was noted between the patient's age at placement of the occlusal sealant and sealant performance. CONCLUSION In a dental school clinic, occlusal sealants were effective at preventing caries in a comprehensive care program that included periodic recall.