SEAL 2025 Kentucky
SEAL KY FAQs
What is “SEAL KENTUCKY”?
“SEAL KENTUCKY” is a school dental program similar to “SEAL AMERICA,” that was initiated with funding from the E.O. Robinson Trust at the University of Kentucky. As part of their dental public health curriculum, student dentists conduct two-day dental sealant programs at 2–4 rural elementary schools in October.
What dental facilities and dental techniques are used?
The College of Dentistry transports a completely self-contained, sevenoperatory mobile dental clinic that is set-up in school space (usually the gym). State-of-the-art portable chairs and units are used. Standard infection control and clinical protocols are used. Light-cured dental sealant is used with dry pads, cotton roll isolation and high-speed suction. In addition, students receive oral hygiene instructions, plaque removal and fluoride varnish application. X-rays are provided as needed.
What schools and grade levels are targeted?
Priority is assigned to schools with high percentages of children on reduced and free lunch programs (92% and up). Once a school is selected, all children in targeted grades are eligible if consent is obtained from a parent or legal guardian. Seal Kentucky targets 1st-6th graders for dental sealants.
How is the program supported?
The school dental clinics are supported by state dental public health contracts and clinical revenues as part of the UK Mobile Dental Outreach Program. The University of Kentucky also conducts school-based prevention and treatment clinics with mobile dental treatment vans throughout Kentucky.
What are dental sealants?
Tooth decay usually begins in the grooves of the back permanent teeth. A dental sealant is a liquid resin that is painted in the grooves and light-cured (hardened) to prevent or seal out decay.
Why are dental sealants important?
Sealants are particularly effective in protecting the grooves on chewing surfaces of molar teeth from the infection that results in pit and fissure decay. Much of the decay in children starts in these pits.
Fluoride is more effective in preventing infections that cause decay on the smooth surfaces. Both types of protection to prevent tooth decay in children.
Which teeth should be sealed?
A child’s molars should be sealed. These teeth usually come in at about ages 6 and 12 and should be sealed as soon as possible after eruption. At times, teeth other than molars (premolars) are also sealed.
The sealants can last for many years (5 or more) but should be checked regularly. If needed, the sealants can be reapplied. How long do sealants last?
Will there be a follow-up visit?
Yes. After the initial visit in October, we will return to the school with a mobile clinic in November or December to provide additional treatment to those children that need it (e.g. simple restorations).
