title: Application of sealants in dental practice in Bulgaria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to investigate application of sealants in an epidemiologic cross-sectional study, and to conduct a survey of the opinions of dentists on the application of sealants in their practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  The epidemiologic study included 960 children aged 7 to 14, selected at random from schools in Plovdiv and 630 dentists from Plovdiv and other regions in Bulgaria. Data were analysed using alternative and nonparametric analysis (chi square test); the level of significance was set at P < 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The epidemiologic survey suggest that the use of sealants to prevent occlusal caries in childhood is not a usual practice, but rather an exception. Bulgarian dentists are familiar with the indications and means of applying prophylactic protection of teeth in childhood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the epidemiologic study and the survey indicate clearly that additional motivation is needed to boost the use of this type of prophylaxis to prevent occlusal caries in childhood.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Vesselina K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Kondeva
authors.forename: Maria T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Kukleva
authors.forename: Svetla G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Petrova
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001641:Bicuspid; D002031:Bulgaria / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants