A school-based dental sealant program can be initiated at the state, county, community, or school level. Programs are often spearheaded by state oral health programs, community health centers, school-based health centers, or individuals or small groups who participate in the planning process.
The process of establishing a school-based dental sealant program involves several important steps, including forming a planning committee; conducting a needs assessment; and determining the geographic area, target population, and number of students eligible for the program.
The first step in establishing a school-based dental sealant program is forming a planning committee. The purpose of this committee is to design the program and to serve as the core of a larger advisory group. (See Step 2, Gaining Program Support.)
Planning committee members could include
