Dental Sealant Program
In 1995, KKV launched an school- based dental sealant pilot program at Fern Elementary School. The program was developed in response to extensive State cutbacks in funds for dental services and aimed to provide preventive dentistry for those most likely to benefit from early intervention – Hawaiʻi’s children.
In late 2014, KKV launched its Dental Bus– a mobile dental clinic outfitted with two dental chairs, a hand-washing station, and equipment – all powered by two generators mounted to the back of the vehicle. With generous support from Hawaii Dental Service, the creation of these two mobile dental operatories has allowed KKV to add examinations, prophies, fluoride varnishes, and oral hygiene education and referrals to the service offerings of its long running school-based dental sealant program. In 2015 and 2016, KKV piloted part-time mobile services, operating on average 2 days per month at local elementary and middle schools, and Parents and Children Together (PACT) early childhood programs.
If you would like your child to participate in the Dental Sealant Program, please fill out these forms.
From 1997 to 2015, KKV’s free on-site dental screening, referral and sealants at five elementary schools in the Kalihi Valley area provided over $2 million in free services. During this period, KKV dentists and hygienists screened over 10,500 children and provided sealants for 4,200 children. An external 2004 study of the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of KKV’s dental sealant program indicated:
A 91% success rate (1,129 out of 1,242 teeth sealed remained caries-free for at least one to two years)
An estimated 3,326 cavities averted
A savings of $271,558 in societal resources.
Today, the dental sealant program brings the Dental Bus to nine schools every school year, seven elementary schools and two middle schools, to provide preventive oral health care. In addition, we provide oral hygiene kits to every child in our nine schools; regardless of whether they participate in our dental sealant program. This provides equitable access to a basic oral health preventive modality; fluoride dentifrice (fluoride toothpaste).
