Pit and fissure sealants.

Through participation in rational, comprehensive preventive programs, completely caries-free dentitions are now a possibility for many adults (Horowitz, 1980). Because of the uniqueness of pit and fissure caries sealants need to be considered for children as one necessary component in such total preventive programs. If the goal of a population free of caries is to be achieved, effective oral hygiene measures, including the use of therapeutic dentifrices, systemic or topically applied fluorides and dietary supervision are other components that should be considered in such a program (Ripa, 1978). Safety and effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants have been clearly established. Cost-effectiveness, however, whether in a private practice or public health setting is a factor of legitimate concern. From the 'Conference on Pit and Fissure Sealants: Why Their Limited Usage?' conducted by the Council on Dental Materials, Instruments and Equipment of the American Dental Association in May 1981, a number of recommendations resulted. Their implementation will help overcome scepticism regarding sealant use. Included in the recommendations are (a) a greater emphasis upon the use of sealants in dental education curricula, (b) development of specific guidelines for sealant use and maintenance, (c) continued long term studies under different program formats and (d) dissemination by the profession, as it did with fluorides, of valid information regarding sealant use (Brown, 1981). Regarding pit and fissure sealants, the apparent consensus from scientific data and clinical practice would suggest that we should be using these materials for our child patients knowledgeably, selectively and with precise application methods.