University Launches School-Based Dental Initiative to Tackle Cavities in Underserved Communities

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine professor Mary Beth Giacona aims to provide sealants for children in need through the prevention program

For more than four years, Mary Beth Giacona has been working on a plan to bring the expertise of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine into underserved communities and provide free dental care to children from low-income families.

"We are the only dental school in the state, so we had to step up to the plate," said Giacona, an associate professor of pediatric dentistry at Rutgers.

She said that 90% of tooth decay happens first in permanent molars around age 6, and most of that decay is preventable with timely placement of dental sealants. Moreover, she said 80% of decay occurs in about 20% of children, who are low-income and underserved kids

So, she began laying the groundwork for a dental prevention program based at elementary schools to provide sealants for children at Title I schools, where a high percentage of students come from low-income families. In New Jersey, more than 60% of schools carry that designation, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Yet, as the state's oral health plan noted, New Jersey received an F for failing to provide sealant programs to low-income and at-risk children.

"Oral health is an essential part of overall health, and good oral health begins in childhood," Giacona added. "Early preventive dental care helps children avoid disease, develop healthy habits, and build a foundation for lifelong health and well-being."

The program launched earlier this year at Franklin Township School District in Somerset, spanning all seven of its elementary schools. The first visit was to Hillcrest Elementary in February. With a portable dental chair, a suction unit, and an enthusiastic team of Rutgers dental students, they treated 30 children. By the end of the month, that number had increased to more than 150.

"We built this from nothing, and it was not easy, so it's exciting to see how quickly it's growing," Giacona said. "I'm super proud, but these things take a village, and it really was the whole community."

Early preventive dental care helps children avoid disease, develop healthy habits, and build a foundation for lifelong health and well-being.

Mary Beth Giacona

Associate Professor of pediatric dentistry

But getting the plan off the ground meant learning to navigate the complexities of Medicaid and eventually partner with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

"We believe this important public health initiative is a critical step toward improving oral health outcomes for New Jersey's children throughout the state," said Sam Wakim, the dental medical director at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. "We are very grateful for Dr. Giacona's efforts and leadership."

Her leadership has been attracting many Rutgers dental students to join her efforts.

"Her commitment to prevention, outreach, and expanding access to care has been inspiring," said Karen Eren, who graduates in 2027 and has been volunteering with the program. "One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was interacting with the students and seeing how quickly they became comfortable in the environment. It was heartening to see them ask questions, motivate each other, and realize that dental care does not have to be intimidating."

Eren said those early, positive experiences can shape how children approach oral health for years to come.

"It was rewarding to know that our efforts can reduce future disease burden and provide preventive care to a large number of children who could benefit from it," she said.

Since then, the program has continued to expand and now includes visits to Crossroads School, which serves children with special needs, and the Douglass Developmental Disability Center. Philips Academy and 13th Avenue School in Newark, N.J., as well as the JFK Center in Edison, N.J., are in the pipeline to join. Giacona also is planning to attend back-to-school nights to connect with families and bring even more schools into the program.

With an expanding network and a dedicated team, Giacona said there is no limit to what can be achieved.

"With our fantastic dental students and the residents, we have the capacity to serve the whole state," she said.

She hopes to reach daycare and nursery schools as well as other educational facilities for children with special needs.

"We can make this happen across New Jersey."