Springfield Elementary School, in conjunction with Oral Health America: National Sealant Alliance and the Georgia Oral Health Prevention Program, will provide free dental sealants for eligible children attending Springfield Elementary School. The program will begin in September. Consent forms will be sent home with students and must be filled out and returned to the school in order for a child to participate.

Dental screening exams, cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants will be provided as needed. A sealant is a thin, plastic, clear coating that is bonded to teeth to help keep food and bacteria from attaching to teeth and causing decay.

“Sealants are an excellent way to protect against cavities,” said District Dentist for the Coastal Health District, Harry Hickson. “This program will allow us to provide sealants to children in Effingham County who may otherwise have no way to get them.”

In order to qualify for the program, children must be in first through fifth grade and be uninsured or underinsured (have no private dental insurance). In addition, children cannot currently be under the care of a dentist (no treatment for the past nine months). Children covered by Medicaid and Peachcare are also eligible. For children not covered by Medicaid or Peachcare, there is no fee.

The program does not allow for a complete dental examination; however, if any problems are detected during the screening the family will be offered a list of health clinics that offer free or discounted dental services.

The program is limited to students attending Springfield Elementary School.

 Walk-ins will not be accepted. Consent forms should be returned to the school as soon as possible.

Support for this program is provided in part by Dentsply International, 3M ESPE, Pulpdent Corporation, Whip Mix and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.