Pit and fissure sealants: another major cornerstone in preventive dentistry

Abstract

Despite dramatic reductions in caries in fluoridated communities, the disease continues to occur during childhood and adolescence and there is a sustained caries susceptibility of pits and fissures. Pit and fissure sealants have been available to the dental profession for the past two decades. Closely following community water fluoridation, this use of adhesive technology is now recognized as a major cornerstone of modern preventive dentistry. However, the technique appears to have been slow in implementation by the dental profession. Recent expanded utilization of sealants in the public sector, particularly in Victoria, has increased the awareness of the procedure amongst the public and is heightening demand. A review of the pertinent literature and current trends in utilization of sealants is presented. The case is made for expanded utilization of sealants in both the public and private sectors of dental health care delivery in Australia.