UT Dentistry hosts Edgewood ISD students for annual Sealant Day

UT Dentistry, the patient care practice for the UT San Antonio School of Dentistry, welcomed nearly 200 second-grade students from Edgewood ISD (EISD) for its annual Sealant Day, held in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month in February. Arriving in several school buses, students poured into UT Dentistry’s clinic, ready for a day of learning, dental screenings and preventive care.

Second-, third-, and fourth-year dental students, under close supervision from faculty and staff, helped guide the young visitors through each step of their visit. From check-in and oral hygiene instruction to professional screenings and the application of dental sealants, the event provided a hands-on learning opportunity for UT Dentistry students while delivering essential preventive services for the children.

“Our dental students are able to look at their teeth to see if they need anything urgently addressed or if they're having any pain. We protect their teeth from all the sugary things they eat throughout the day. This really is a win-win situation for the children and our dental students,” shared Maria Jose Cervantes-Mendez, DDS, MS, FAAPD, professor and chair of the department of developmental dentistry.

Why sealants matter

Dental sealants play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, especially in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are four times more common than asthma in kids, making prevention a key priority in pediatric oral health. The molars’ natural pits and grooves can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of decay over time.

Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to these chewing surfaces and act as a barrier, smoothing out the grooves and making teeth easier to clean. Once placed, they shield the tooth from bacteria, food debris, and sugary liquids, helping protect against cavities on both the tooth's surface and along its sides. The application process is simple, painless and highly effective.

Beyond the clinic: Supporting students and classrooms

Before returning to school, each EISD student received an oral health kit complete with a toothbrush, floss and toothpaste, providing them with the tools they need to continue good dental habits at home.

In the weeks leading up to Sealant Day, the Pediatric Dental Society and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry student chapters at UT San Antonio also hosted a book drive. Students, staff and faculty from UT San Antonio Health Science Center and UT Dentistry donated new and gently used books for EISD teachers to take back to their classrooms, further extending the spirit of giving and educational support.

“We are helping the children in our community, and our dental students are having that experience that they can learn from and take with them once they go out and start their own practices. When we're in the clinic, we're mainly seeing adults, so it's good for us to experience providing care for kids and learn how to help them get through the appointment and ease their worries,” shared Johanna Lindquist, a third-year dental student.

Sealant Day continues to be one of the School of Dentistry’s most impactful outreach events, strengthening community partnerships, enhancing dental students’ clinical experience and helping children in the San Antonio community build healthy habits that last a lifetime.