Dental Sealant Program

This program was launched in 2009 and it aims at reducing the incidence of dental caries among children aged 8-10 years, in grades four and five, in elementary public schools, thus improving oral health, and preventing dental decay by applying the Dental Sealant technique. This program is executed in collaboration with the Lebanese University dental medicine faculty and the Lebanese Ministry Of Education and Higher Learning. It is funded by the Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA).

This academic year 2010-2011 started with an awareness session that was held on the 9th of November 2010 in Ajialouna for teachers and administrators of schools followed by 4 separate awareness sessions targeting parents on the 25th of November and the 2nd of December 2010.

Dental Sealants are plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves of teeth in order to create a smoother surface that is less likely to trap food and plaque. They can protect treated teeth for up to five years. Recipients, however, still have to observe sound oral health practices and eat a healthy diet. The sealant is applied on permanent not decayed teeth; then it is cured with light. The process takes around 15 minutes per tooth.

A total of 562 students were examined this year (2010) in 13 Elementary Public Schools, 273 students were treated and 940 sealants were applied.

Mechanism of Action

A consent form is sent to the parents at the beginning of the academic year, in order to get their approval. (The dentists will not assess any child who does not have the signed consent form).

The students are examined by a dentist and the results are noted on a specific examination form. If the student was found eligible for dental sealant, dental sealant is applied on the designated teeth. Finally, a feedback form is sent to parents.

For more information please contact Ajialouna 01-304472 extension 1607.