4.4 Sealant Retention Evaluation

Retention checks can detect clinical problems related to sealant materials, equipment, or application techniques. Retention is checked using visual and tactile techniques.

Short-term retention checks are conducted within 2 months after sealant placement to identify early any problems with sealant retention. Short-term retention checks are performed by a dentist or dental hygienist who did not place the sealants. Short-term retention checks do not need to be conducted on a regular basis.

Any of the following can trigger the need for short-term retention checks:

• A new dental hygienist entering the program.
• Employment of dental hygienists who lack positive track records.
• Changes to clinical procedures (e.g., technique, materials).
• Malfunctions in equipment (e.g., moisture contamination in air line, faulty curing light).

Conducting short-term retention checks on 10 to 15 students per school is sufficient. At this time, ODH sets a benchmark of 100 percent short-term retention rates in the programs it funds.

Long-term retention checks are conducted approximately 1 year after sealant placement and are conducted by a dentist. The purpose of long-term retention checks is to assess both the need for sealant repair or replacement for children and the ability of the sealant program to place high-quality sealants. At this time, ODH expects 90 percent or greater long-term retention rates in the programs it funds.

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