The prevalence of dental sealants in North Carolina schoolchildren.

Abstract

This study reports the prevalence of dental sealants derived from a survey of schoolchildren in North Carolina, and its variation according to several sociodemographic characteristics. A single-stage, stratified probability sample of grade K-12 classrooms in the state yielded a sample of 8,026 students. Clinical examinations were performed on 83 percent of the sample. Estimates for sealant prevalence and their variation according to seven sociodemographic variables were determined. About 117,000 children in the state, or 12 percent of those 6-17 years of age, have sealants. The prevalence of sealants varied according to geographic region of residence and the socioeconomic status of whites. Prevalence was affected little by age, sex, degree of urbanism, or socioeconomic status of those with races other than white. While underutilized, there are indications in these data that sealant use is increasing, thus having the potential to contribute to further declines in the prevalence of dental caries in the state. Those factors included in this study and associated with the prevalence of sealants suggest that major gains in sealant use will need to address not only those specific barriers preventing their use by the profession or public, but broader issues preventing the utilization of dental services in general.