477 - Efficacy of Pit-And-Fissure Sealants on Primary Molars

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 373 primary molars that received pit-and-fissure sealants in 2017 at a hospital-based pediatric dental residency program. Primary molars had virgin surfaces prior to sealant placement in 2017; patients were aged 1-10 years old at the time of sealant placement; and patients were seen for multiple appointments in the residency program (at least one appointment after initial sealant placement). Sealed primary molars with occlusal decay at a subsequent dental appointment were identified through clinical chart review. Tooth number, time elapsed since sealant placement, sealant material used, and patient demographics were collected for sealed primary molars with charted occlusal decay. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. This study received approval from the University of Nebraska Medical Center Institutional Review Board.

Results: Pending.

Conclusions: Results of this study will add to a growing but inconclusive body of evidence regarding the efficacy of pit-and-fissure sealants placed on primary molars. Increased understanding of sealant outcomes may inform future clinical practice guidelines.