AAPHD Resolution on Placement of Dental Sealants by Dental Hygienists

Passed November 2, 1985
J Pub Health Dent 1985;46(1):55.

WHEREAS, pit and fissure sealants have been studied for over 20 years and have been found to be safe and effective in reducing the incidence of dental decay, and

WHEREAS, scientific evidence has shown that the quality of sealant placement does not differ whether applied by properly trained dentists or dental hygienists, and

WHEREAS, sealant programs are more cost-effective when dental hygienists place the sealants, and

WHEREAS, dental hygienists are graduates of educational programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and are recognized in most states by dental practice acts, and

WHEREAS, dental hygienists provide preventive services in public health settings without the physical presence of the dentist in the majority of states with no adverse effects to the public, and

WHEREAS, few third-party service or payment programs include sealants as a benefit and the overall costs to the public are high without a more cost-effective means of application, be it

RESOLVED, that the American Association of Public Health Dentistry support changes in state dental practice acts which would allow the placement of dental sealants by dental hygienists in public health and institutional settings under the general supervision of dentists, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the American Association of Public Health Dentistry encourage all third-party payors to include dental sealants as a reimbursable service.