Evaluation of Dental Hygiene Health Policy Connecticut Code Section 20-126l

Objective: We evaluated a school-based sealant program which implemented the Connecticut State Law Section 20-126l permitting dental hygienists to work independently to provide preventive services. Methods: The program continued from 2007 to 2011 in Connecticut schools using data collected from 1465 participants. Chi-square tests were performed to determine whether decay was associated with oral hygiene. Results: The percentage of decayed teeth decreased steadily from 34% at baseline in 2006 to 12% in 2010-11. After 4 years, no student experienced severe decay or poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene was strongly associated with decayed or filled teeth. Conclusions: This dental hygienist-led program had a positive impact on the oral health of children.