These grants assist local agencies to implement and maintain school-based dental sealant programs. Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to children’s permanent molar teeth to prevent the most common type of tooth decay (on the chewing surfaces of permanent molars).  The School-based Dental Sealant Program provides dental sealants to high-risk students in selected grades.  With parental consent, teams of dental hygienists and dental assistants place sealants on children’s teeth in targeted schools in accordance with treatment plans developed by examining dentists. 

Currently, 16 dental sealant grants are funded, all of which provide dental sealants in schools (see list of funded agencies.)  Grants are awarded on a three-year cycle.  Applications will be due in October 2010 for grant funding to begin January 2011. 

For more information about school-based dental sealant programs, see the list of frequently asked questions.  A one-page synopsis about the Bureau of Oral Health Services School-based Dental Sealant Program is also available.

Last Updated: 02/07/08
Last Reviewed: 08/14/08