Increasing dental sealants for adolescents to improve oral health
Reducing dental caries and oral health disparities among adolescents: The impact of increasing 2nd molar sealants through school-based sealant programs
This study is looking at how putting more dental sealants on kids' back teeth can help prevent cavities and improve their oral health, especially for middle school students from low-income families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10706531 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how increasing the application of dental sealants on 2nd molars in adolescents can reduce dental decay and improve overall oral health. It focuses on school-based sealant programs that primarily serve low-income populations, aiming to extend their reach to include middle school students. By analyzing the prevalence of sealants and their impact on dental caries across different racial and income groups, the study seeks to address disparities in oral health. The methodology includes using multivariable regression models to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, who are at risk for dental caries and may benefit from increased access to dental sealants.
Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not have access to school-based health programs may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce dental decay among adolescents, leading to improved quality of life and fewer emergency health interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that school-based sealant programs can effectively reduce dental caries, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
Kennesaw, United States
- Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scherrer, Christina — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Scherrer, Christina
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.