Second molar sealants among US adolescents and their association with select sociodemographic factors and first molar sealants

Background

Caries is an important public health concern. Dental sealants are effective in preventing caries; however, their uptake is suboptimal and little is known about second molar (2M) sealants. The authors examined the prevalence of 2M sealants among US adolescents and investigated the factors associated with their presence.

Methods

The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data on adolescents aged 12 through 19 years with complete sealant data (n = 3,636). Race and ethnicity, income, and first molar (1M) sealant were primary variables of interest. The logistic regression models were used to estimate the factors associated with 2M sealants. All analyses used survey weights and accounted for complex survey design.

Results

Only 34.6% of adolescents (95% CI, 31.2% to 38.0%) had 2M sealants. Approximately 89.0% of adolescents (95% CI, 86.1% to 92.0%) with 2M sealants and 19.6% (95% CI, 17.1% to 22.2%) without 2M sealants had 1M sealants. In the adjusted models, race and ethnicity were strongly associated with 2M sealant presence, but the association did not hold when 1M sealant was included in the model. 1M sealants were the most significant factor explaining the presence of 2M sealants (odds ratio, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.04).

Conclusions

Two of 3 adolescents lacked 2M sealants, with considerable disparities in their presence. To improve adolescent oral health, clinical and community programs should increase delivery of 2M sealants.

Practical Implications

Study findings highlight the need to evaluate adolescent sealant delivery programs to improve the uptake of 2M sealants.