Rutgers launches school-based dental program in Somerset County with plans to expand statewide
NEW JERSEY — Rutgers School of Dental Medicine has launched a school-based dental initiative to expand preventive dental care for children in underserved communities across New Jersey by providing free dental sealants at Title I elementary schools.
The initiative, led by Rutgers associate professor of pediatric dentistry Mary Beth Giacona, began earlier this year in the Franklin Township School District in Somerset County and has since expanded to additional schools and specialized education centers, with plans to continue growing statewide.
“We are the only dental school in the state, so we had to step up to the plate,” said Giacona.
Giacona said about 90% of tooth decay first occurs in permanent molars around age 6 and that most of the decay is preventable through the timely placement of dental sealants. She added that approximately 80% of tooth decay occurs among about 20% of children, primarily those from low-income and underserved communities.
The school-based program was developed over more than four years to bring preventive dental care directly to children who may have limited access to regular dental services. More than 60% of New Jersey schools are designated as Title I schools, serving large numbers of students from low-income families.
“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 first school visit took place in February at Hillcrest Elementary School in Franklin Township. Using portable dental equipment, Rutgers dental students treated 30 children during the initial visit. By the end of the month, more than 150 children had received care across the district’s seven elementary schools.
“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.”
Launching the initiative required navigating Medicaid requirements and establishing a partnership 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.”
The initiative has also attracted Rutgers dental students eager to participate in community outreach.
“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 the experience demonstrated the value of preventive care.
“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 its launch, the program has expanded to Crossroads School, which serves children with special needs, and the Douglass Developmental Disability Center. Philips Academy and 13th Avenue School in Newark, along with the JFK Center in Edison, are expected to join the initiative. Giacona also plans to attend back-to-school nights to connect with families and recruit additional schools.
“With our fantastic dental students and the residents, we have the capacity to serve the whole state,” Giacona said.
She said she hopes to expand the initiative to daycare centers, nursery schools and other educational facilities serving children with special needs.
“We can make this happen across New Jersey.”
