Starting earlier for better clinical training and care

Texas A&M College of Dentistry is expanding its popular sealant program in five independent school districts – Dallas, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Garland, Richardson and Irving – to include more dental students. Previously, only third- and fourth-year dental students could participate in the community outreach program; however, beginning today, second-year students will provide sealant care too.

Dental sealants—thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars—serve as protective barriers against bacteria that cause decay and cavities. 

The first group of second-year students began training this month in the dental college’s simulation clinic. Dr. Amal Noureldin, director of the predoctoral program in public health science and module director, said the rotation is part of DDS-721/Prevention and Behavioral Science Module. Both Dr. Lily T. García, dean, and Dr. Liang Hong, head of public health sciences, support the change because it engages students in clinical care early in their dental education, Noureldin said.

“(The) Department of Public Health Sciences, Academic Affairs, the curriculum committee (and) clinical affairs all partnered to make this new rotation happen,” she said.

The plan for this year is to provide sealants to 1,000 second graders during 67 visits in 48 schools.

“We have expanded the sealants program from two to three days per week and increased the number of schools participating in the program,” Noureldin said. “On designated days, second-year dental students will work alongside fourth-year dental students. On (the) remaining days, third-year students and fourth-year students, dental hygiene students and public health residents will collaborate to deliver services.”