The aim of this work is to evaluate the differences of clinical retention of a polyacid-modified resin composite (Variglass V.L.C.), used as an occlusal sealant, when applied by dentist, dental hygienist and undergraduate in Dentistry. The occlusal surfaces of 370 superior first molars of children ageing from 6 to 8 years from public schools in Piracicaba, were sealed. The presented data are related to the final evaluation after 6 and 12 months. It was observed that after 6 months, 78.42% of the sealants clinically acceptable, remained on the occlusal surfaces and that the completely lost sealants reached 10.20%. The best results of the sealants retention were obtained when the sealants were applied by an undergraduate. After 12 months, there was an increase of completely lost sealants (43.79%) and a decrease of completely remaining sealants (18.96%). There were no statistical differences in the retention of sealant when applied by dentist, dental hygienist and undergraduate. Even when the sealant was completely lost, the presence of carious lesion was not observed.
Pit and fissure sealants; Glass ionomer cement; Composite resins
