Conclusion

Dental sealants are an evidence-based clinical practice and are recommended by federal agencies (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) as well as by professional organizations (American Dental Association; American Academy for Pediatric Dentistry) as an effective preventive method to avoid decay in permanent teeth in children. Dental sealants are truly the added link in preventative dentistry. Ongoing research continues to find this procedure effective, safe, and of a low enough cost that all populations can access this service. With the use of fluorides, regular dental evaluations, patient education, plaque control, reduction of sugar exposure, and the use of dental sealants, future generations will have healthy, non-restored dentitions.