Seal a Smile Oral Health Services

Seal a Smile was established to provide preventative dental care to elementary school-aged children in schools where over 35% of the children are eligible for the federal free lunch program. Seal a Smile provides school-based preventive dental services such as screenings, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants. Services are delivered with the medical and administrative oversight of Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Services.

In addition to the benefits of prevention, staff help children needing restorative dental services access necessary care. Seal a Smile refers all uninsured children to our Certified Navigators for assistance applying for children's health insurance.

The program serves over 3,000 children annually in schools located in Albany and Rensselaer County. Approximately half of the children seen have evidence of untreated cavities. These children average 3.75 teeth with untreated decay.

Seal a Smile was initiated in 2003 by HCDI’s Children’s Oral Health Advisory Board with support from the New York State Bureau of Dental Health. In 2006, Seal a Smile was recognized by the Healthcare Association of New York State with the 2006 HANYS’ Community Health Improvement Award.

More information on Children's Oral Health Needs in the Capital Region.