Fissure sealants on permanent first molars--consequences of a one-year delay.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the dental caries status of the occlusal surfaces of permanent first molars of Grade 2 (7-8 years of age) children who kept, and those who missed their Grade 1 (6-7 years of age) dental public health clinic appointment.


METHODS
The data were obtained from the records of schoolchildren attending the clinic for a comprehensive dental public health programme, with emphasis on fissure sealing permanent first molars. The records were grouped into those who had attended the clinic the previous year and those who did not attend.


RESULTS
The permanent first molars were significantly more likely to be carious in children who missed the Grade 1 appointment compared to those who kept the appointment.


CONCLUSIONS
A one year delay in fissure sealing the occlusal surfaces of permanent first molars substantially increased the likelihood of dental caries on these teeth.
Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Limpopo, Medunsa campus, 0204, South Africa. Ratilal.Lalloo@gmail.com
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Lalloo
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Turton
D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D002648:Child; D003190:Comprehensive Dental Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology*; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011636:Public Health Dentistry; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012571:School Dentistry; D013019:South Africa; D013997:Time Factors
D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants