Seal Cambodia – 60,000 Children over 3 Years

Objective:  There is a high prevalence and severity of dental caries amongst Cambodian children. The SEAL CAMBODIA project was initiated by the Global Child Dental Fund, with support from CamKids (The Cambodian Children’s Charity) and GC Asia. The aim of the project is to place fissure protection (“sealants”) using Glass Ionomer Cement on the first permanent molars in 60,000 Grade 2 children over three years. Method: A protocol for the project was developed, and all members of the SEAL teams undergo training. Five provider organizations carry out sealant placement in schools. Tooth brushing instruction and oral health education are also provided. Descriptive analysis of the baseline dataset was completed. Result:  During the first year, approximately 20,000 children had sealants placed, of which data has been entered for over half of the participants.  At initial examination the mean values were - age = 8.3(SD 1.3) years; sealants placed per child = 3.2(SD 1.2); decayed primary molars = 4.6(SD 2.4); decayed first permanent molars 0.6(SD 1.0). The prevalence of caries on first permanent molars was statistically significantly greater in older children and females (P<0.05; χ² test). Conclusion: This project is a good example of a school-based public health program with multi-partner collaboration. The target of 20,000 children over one year has been achieved and the team is optimistic about achieving the goal of sealing 60,000 children over three years.