The Healthy Smiles-Sealants at School Program brings the anti-cavity benefits of dental sealants to school children in the Northern Berkshires. The program visits each elementary and middle school in the Northern Berkshires at least once a year, to examine children’s teeth and apply dental sealants for those in need.

The Healthy Smiles program helps maintain healthy teeth and gums -- key to each child’s school performance and overall health. Dental disease is the most chronic early childhood disease – five times more common than asthma. Children who suffer from tooth decay and other oral diseases have difficulty eating, speaking and learning, and are frequently absent from school. Since dental disease is a bacterial infection, it can also leave children vulnerable to other illnesses.

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are easily and painlessly applied to the chewing areas of molars and premolars (back teeth) to prevent tooth decay. They can keep teeth healthy for years by providing a physical barrier that keeps decay-causing bacteria from invading the pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Sealants save money by reducing the need for fillings and other expensive treatment.

According to a recent study, 43 percent of third grade school children in Massachusetts have untreated decay and only 11 percent have dental sealants. The Healthy Smiles program, now in its third year, works closely with school administrators and nurses to educate parents on the benefits of dental sealants. With the parents’ written permission, children’s teeth are checked and sealants are applied for those who qualify.

The Healthy Smiles program is led by Gita Jozsef, RDH, MSHS.

Parents with questions about dental sealants or about the Healthy Smiles-Sealants at School Program may contact Gita Jozsef, RDH, Oral Health Manager, at 413-664-5429 or gjozsel@nbhealth.org.