Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile (SAS) grants local school-based oral health programs funding to provide preventive dental care to children in more than 850 schools across Wisconsin.
Did you know???
- In the US, children miss about 52 million hours of school each year because of dental problems.
- Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions can greatly impact the ability to learn.
- 90 percent of decay in children's permanent teeth occurs on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, sealants serve as a physical barrier to the bacteria that cause decay.
Healthy Smiles Waupaca County offers a preventive dental sealant/ fluoride varnish program in schools for all children at no charge. A dental professional will visit a school three different times to provide the following services:
- Dental screenings
- Dental sealants on permanent molar teeth
- Fluoride varnishes (1 - 3 fluoride treatments)
- Tooth brushing instructions and oral health education
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- A letter sent home explaining what services were done and suggestions for further treatment after each visit
- 3rd visit is performed to follow up and to apply or replace any needed sealants
What is a dental sealant?
A sealant is a thin, tooth-colored, plastic coating that is painted on a tooth to help prevent cavities from forming.
What is fluoride varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a topical gel that is painted onto the teeth, making them stronger.