The purpose of this split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial is to evaluate the retention rates of sealants placed under Isolite vs. cotton roll isolation. This study will also compare the patient and operator acceptability and satisfaction of the two isolation techniques as well as the time consumed for sealant application during the two isolation techniques.

104 regular patients at the College of Dentistry Department of Pediatric Dentistry Clinics, ages 6-16 years, will be invited to participate in this study. Matched contralateral pairs of first and second molars and premolars will be randomized to receive sealants with the use of the device (Isolite) for isolation or with the use of cotton roll isolation. All sealants will be placed by pediatric dentistry residents. Sealants will be placed on first and second permanent molars that have a matched contralateral molar requiring a sealant as well. Photographs may be taken of the sealants on the day of placement and at a 6-month and 12 month recalls. Retention of the sealants will be evaluated and scored by calibrated pediatric dentists.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy patients: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I or II
• Good cooperation: Frank1 3 or 4
• Aged between 6-16 years old at the day of sealant placement
• Minimum of two, maximum of sixteen, matched contralateral permanent molars or premolars.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Teeth with a history of past or current caries
• Teeth with a linical presentation of fluorosis, hypoplasia or any developmental anomalies
• Teeth with clinical or radiographic evidence of pathology
• Teeth with a history of restoration or sealant
• Patients who are poorly behaved

Adverse events were collected over a 12 month time-period

no adverse events were reported

Triple:

Participants, Investigator, and Outcome assessors do not know the randomization. However, it was hard to blind the care provider.