LSU School of Dentistry

Senator Paulette Irons Supports Dental Sealant Program

In April, 209 children from two New Orleans Public Schools will visit the LSUHSC School of Dentistry (LSUSD) for its third annual dental sealant program. Senator Paulette Irons funds the program each year-dental and dental hygiene students, under the supervision of faculty, apply the dental sealants. Sealants are safe plastic coatings placed on permanent back teeth. Children with dental sealants and regular dental visits have 75% less tooth decay then those without. In the past two years, 301 children were screened and of those, 193 received sealants and 58% had some tooth decay. The school's teachers and nurses receive the screening results to help ensure that those needing dental care receive it.

Oral health became a priority for Senator Iron's after a conversation with LSUSD dean, Dr. Eric Hovland, in 2001. He gave her an article which cited that dental decay is the number one childhood disease in the nation and more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related illness. The encounter brought back memories of her dental experiences as a child. "Poor people tend to think dentistry is a luxury, not a necessity," said Senator Irons. "I went to a public health dental clinic as a child; we didn't have insurance. I remember the painful toothaches and when I went to clinic, it was mostly for extractions." Eventually all her back teeth were pulled, but over time she received bone augmentation and implants for her missing teeth. Now she realizes that proper oral health care may have prevented the tremendous suffering and financial expense she incurred.

It is clear from Senator Iron's past efforts that when she adopts a cause, things happen. Her passion and commitment are visibly evident with regard to the impoverished children of Louisiana. It's a personal crusade for her; she grew up in central city, one of the poorest neighborhoods in New Orleans. Dr. Hovland is grateful for the Senator's support. "Oral health affects what children eat, their school performance and their self-esteem," he said. "Dental sealants are one of the best tools we have to improve the oral health of all children. We are pleased to be a part of such a worthwhile effort."

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