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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Dental Health School Based Programs

Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County

Dental Sealant Program

Dental Sealants are thin, plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. When the sealant hardens it forms a solid shield over the tooth surface. This protects the tooth from decay by covering the many pits and fissures on the chewing surface. Over 90% of the decay on permanent teeth in children is on the chewing surfaces of the first permanent molars.

Dental Sealants are offered to second and fifth grade children in participating Title 1 elementary schools. The objective of the program is to prevent cavities in new first and second permanent molars soon after they come into the mouth. The program also provides screenings, fluoride varnish and oral health and nutrition education. Services are provided on the “Tooth Fairy” Dental Coach or in classrooms using portable equipment.

Tooth Fariy Bus

School Oral Health Project

This project reaches all grades and participating Title 1 elementary schools. Dental health and nutrition education, screenings and fluoride varnish are provided. Some migrant programs are also served.

Both school-based programs refer children with dental needs to community clinics for definitive care and serve as an oral health resource for school staff. The school program team also participates in health fairs and community events providing education and resource information.