Taylor Upah is examined by Dental Hygienist Angi Tebeest prior to the application of dental sealants to her “chewing teeth” on Friday, March 22 at the South Tama Middle Schools. Chronicle photos/Jhon Speer

Some 30 South Tama 7th grade students at the Toledo Middle School have taken advantage of a program providing them with free dental sealants.

Through Mid-Iowa Community Action, a total of 21 schools in the agency’s five-county region were given the opportunity to offer the service. A state grant pays for the procedures. It’s offered to students in third and seventh grades.

Theresa Walton RN BSN ME, the Middle School nurse, said the coatings applied to teeth prevent cavities and said she endorses the program which has been offered for at least the past seven years here.

Walton said the cost of the sealant would be $40 per tooth which makes the free program even more attractive.

Angi Tebeest, a MICA dental hygienist, performs the application process.

Taylor flashes a smile after the near-painless procedure which is intended to promote fewer cavities. She is the daughter of Dean and Marlys Upah, rural Toledo

Students lie down during the procedure which begins with an examination or screening of their teeth by Tebeest. An application of the coating is administered to any teeth which need it and the whole procedure is usually done in 10-15 minutes time.

The “chewing teeth” – molars – are the focus of the sealants.

MICA’s website says of the sealants: “According to the CDC, children receiving dental sealants in school-based programs have 60 percent fewer new decayed pit and fissure surfaces in back teeth for up to 2-5 years after a single application.”

South Tama 7th grader Jacob Dostal was the second student to have the dental sealants applied on March 22 at the Middle School. He is the son of Loren and Sarah Dostal, Toledo.