Sealant Saturday Event to Offer Free Dental Care for Children

Volunteer dentists, dental hygienists and Pennsylvania College of Technology's dental hygiene students will offer free oral screenings, sealants and education for children ages 7 to 15 on Feb. 4 as part of the Sealant Saturday program.

The event is sponsored statewide by the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association and is hosted locally by Penn College in its dental hygiene clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinic is on the second floor (west wing) of the Breuder Advanced Technology and Health Sciences Center.

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to seal the pits and grooves on the teeth. The sealant acts as a physical barrier to prevent oral bacteria from collecting and creating the acid environment that allows decay to develop.

Getting sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of the teeth is a simple and painless procedure. No anesthesia or injections are required, and sealants can last as long as five to 10 years. The sealants should be checked regularly by a dental professional.

Sealants will be placed as needed on permanent teeth and will not be applied where tooth decay is present.

To set up your child's appointment, call (570) 320-8007 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about the dental hygiene program at Penn College, visit online or send e-mail .