3M will donate 3,000 introductory sealant kits to the ADA Foundation to use during the 2017 Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) program. With an estimated fair market value of $250,000, these kits will enable GKAS volunteers to place more than 400,000 sealants on underserved kids’ teeth next year.
“In our collaborations with oral health professionals around the world, we see the importance that our customers place on giving back to their communities, and it is one we share wholeheartedly,” said John Tobin, director of US sales and marketing at 3M Oral Care.
Each kit can provide approximately 140 sealant applications and includes a pair of 1.2-mL 3M Clinpro Sealant syringes, a 3-mL 3M Scotchbond Etchant syringe, 20 sealant syringe tips, and 25 etchant syringe tips.
A sealant kit will be included in each of the 3,000 Henry Schein Dental professional kits distributed to those who register and are awarded products for GKAS programs in January of 2017. Kits will be available from the ADA Foundation while supplies last.
“GKAS programs from around the country have been asking for sealant material because they are highly effective and a safe means of preventive dental care,” said Dr. Jeff Salin, ADA Foundation GKAS committee member. “A lot of kids will benefit greatly from this generous donation of product.”
In August, the Journal of the American Dental Association published a systemic review showing that children treated with sealants have about a 70% to 80% reduction in the incidence of occlusal caries compared to children who do not receive sealants. The review also produced guidelines for the use of pit-and-fissure sealants.
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