Thousands of elementary-aged students have benefitted from a statewide dental care initiative following the death of a boy from an infected tooth seven years ago.
The children receive a thin plastic coating on their teeth called a dental sealant and this helps to prevent tooth decay and cavaties.
“I think this is awesome because there are a lot of people who don’t know about dental sealants. They don’t know that it helps prevent cavities,” said a parent.
Health departments are using grant money to offer free dental services, and it has proved to be very successful – tooth decay in children has reduced by over 40% in the last 10 years.
School administrators said it’s well worth a short visit outside of the classroom.