Pit and fissure sealants--an ongoing commitment.

The purpose of this article is to provide the dental health professional with sound science related to sealants so that he/she can provide the best care to his/her patients. This article will synthesize the recommendations made by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, review the rationale as to why sealants should be placed on a routine basis, and provide practical suggestions on how to optimize sealant placement.