Oral Health - Smiles Across Greater MO (SAGMO) Program

Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molar teeth to prevent cavities from developing in the pits and fissures. They can generally last 5-10 years, and if applied properly, are extremely effective in preventing tooth decay from occurring on these surfaces. The Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America identified school-based and school-linked dental sealant programs as effective measures for preventing tooth decay, especially among vulnerable populations less likely to receive private dental care, such as children eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch programs. Additionally, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services strongly recommends school-based or school-linked dental sealant programs along with community water fluoridation for prevention and control of dental caries. Consequently, the placement of dental sealants combined with an effective oral health education program is critical in promoting the oral health of Missourians.

Currently, Missouri does not have a state-based dental sealant program. Through this program, MFH is highlighting the "silent epidemic" of oral health deficiencies in Missouri by funding preventive projects targeting elementary and middle school students in order to reduce the need for costly restorative treatments in the future. According to the National Oral Health Surveillance System, in the 2004-2005 school year only 28.6% of 3rd grade students had dental sealants. MFH is interested in increasing the percentage of children with dental sealants in the MFH service region to move forward in accomplishing the Healthy People 2010 goal of 50% of eight-year-olds and 50% of 14-year-old adolescents having dental sealants placed by 2010.

Smiles Across Greater MO (SAGMO) was developed in 2006 and since then 10 organizations targeting more than 11,000 children have received $4 million through four-year grants. These organizations range from community health centers to county health departments and serve children through both school-based and school-linked programs. The following map shows the counties served under SAGMO programs:

Over the past two years, more than 1,400 children in public and parochial schools have been screened, with almost 1,100 having received sealants. Educational activities for children and parents have included Delta Dental's "Teeth on the Go" program for elementary students, brochures and letters sent home to parents, and education provided through local county Women, Infants and Children offices.

Questions: Please contact Cynthia Hayes, Program Officer, at 314.345.5532 (toll-free 800.655.5560) or email chayes@mffh.org.

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