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 preventive measures, staff helps families of children in need of restorative dental services access necessary care. Seal A Smile refers all uninsured school children to our facilitated enrollment program for assistance applying for Child Health Plus.

See a Short Video on Seal a Smile

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.

For more information on Children's Oral Health Needs in the Capital Region - Oral Health Needs

School Based Oral Health Services

• Oral health classroom education
• Dental screenings
• Dental cleanings
• Dental sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Individual oral hygiene care instructions
• Referrals and care management services for follow up treatment
• Participants receive a toothbrush, toothpaste and fun prizes

Cost:
If your child has insurance (Private Insurance, Medicaid, or Child Health Plus), insurance information must be supplied to receive services; but no co-payments will be charged. Uninsured children can either apply for Child Health Plus and receive full services, or receive free dental screenings, education and referral services.

Participating Summer Programs
Rensselaer Co. Head Start, Unity Sunshine Preschool and Catholic Charities' Camp Scully.

If you have an elementary school aged child in a participating school, print a permission slip to participate!

Parent/Guardian Letter

Consent Form

Donations to support care for uninsured children