Pit and Fissure Sealant: Then, Now, and Next Steps

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses the role of Herschel S. Horowitz in pit and fissure sealant research, and the data from a literature review of the subject presented at the Memorial Symposium to Herschel Horowitz. The vast body of literature presently available to students and practitioners in the area of preventive dentistry is due in large part to pioneers who forged the path in modern preventive materials such as fluorides and sealants. Uniquely, Herschel S. Horowitz stood out for his contributions to the scientific literature in both fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. His work has contributed to millions of children growing into adulthood with less disease than they would have without the benefits that Herschel Horowitz pioneered. From a careful and thorough review of the literature of peer‐reviewed publications on pit and fissure sealant, it is clear that sealants are safe, effective, and underused.