The Cayuga County Health Department, with support from the New York State Department of Health, gives our students a benefit that one might not consider part of the typical school experience.

Second-, third-, and in some schools, sixth- and seventh-grade students, receive instruction in proper dental hygiene from JoAnne Elser, a registered dental hygienist. They are examined individually to determine if they have their six-year molars and if there is any decay present.

For the sixth and seventh graders, their 12-year molars may have come in. A report is prepared, noting which teeth have come in, or erupted, and which teeth haven't. The condition of the teeth is recorded, and whether there are any decays. Copies of this report are kept with the school nurse and sent home to the parents. For students who qualify and have parental permission, dental sealants are applied on their molars. This sealant is a barrier against decay-causing bacteria.

MaryAgnes Wykstra, our school nurse, states, “The Dental Sealant Program, provided by the county, is a great opportunity for our school children to receive dental teaching and preventive care in a comfortable setting. It is a great way to begin or continue a long-term interest in the importance of caring for their dental health.”

Ms. Elser and her assistant, Ann Musso, schedule students after receiving parental permission. An oral examination is conducted and students are given individual instruction in dental hygiene. Lexie, a second-grade student, states, “They checked my teeth to see if I had any cavities, to see how I brush my teeth.” Ian said, “They brushed my teeth.”

The sealants are a liquid resin or plastic, brushed on the crevices, or fissures, of the molars by the dental hygienist. A small light is shown on the liquid, hardening it within a minute or so.

Occasionally, the sealant is slightly above the bite and makes the tooth feel as though it is too high. That quickly wears down. Savannah remarked, “I got sealants because I can feel it with my tongue.” Logan, another second-grader stated, “They told me I had the most patience. I was surprised when they told me. It feels like metal when you close your mouth.”

There is a slight and temporary aftertaste. Sarah said, “The sealants taste nasty.” Eli stated, “It tastes really sour, yucky.”

All throughout this program, regular care is emphasized. Regular visits to a dentist along with regular brushing, flossing and good nutrition are reviewed by Ms. Elser in the classroom visit, during the oral screening and in letters that are sent home to parents.

If a problem is discovered, the report has a section where the parent can notify the school that they have followed up with an appointment to their family dentist. For some students, their dentist has either already applied the sealants or recommended waiting. Cassidy said, “I got sealants at my dentist because I go with my aunt.” Kevin stated, “I didn't get them because my dentist said my molars are not in enough.”

Ms. Elser and Ms. Musso strive to help students feel at ease. Throughout the program, they emphasize communication with the students and their parents. For some students, this program helps them to overcome their fear. Angel stated, “It really doesn't hurt. I got three. It was fun-that you get to lay on a cushioned bed and they put stuff in it. So, it doesn't really hurt.” Brian wasn't able to quite overcome those fears, however. “I didn't get mine because I couldn't hold my mouth open,” he said. Ms. Elser and Ms. Musso are careful to respect a child's discomfort and uncertainty, even after explanations of the procedure and gentle suggestions to relax.

Cayuga County's students are fortunate to have this program in our public schools. It is a great savings to families to have the sealants.

Preventing tooth decay and dental care education will save dollars in the long run. Receiving preliminary dental care in the familiar setting of our school makes great sense and cents!

Pat Kinney is an art teacher at

Millard Fillmore Elementary School in Moravia