For the State’s Kids
On Christmas Eve, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) was alive with an unusual kind of energy. Printers whirred nonstop throughout the building, while pediatric dentistry residents worked side by side, stapling 500 patient release packages. After years of effort, Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry Mary Beth Giacona was finally ready to bring her vision to Hillcrest Elementary School.
For more than four years, Giacona had been laying the groundwork for a school-based dental prevention program to provide sealants for children at Title I schools, where a high percentage of students come from low-income families. In New Jersey, over 60 percent of schools carry that designation. 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.
“We are the only dental school in the state, so we had to step up to the plate,” she said, adding that 90 percent 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 noted 80 percent of decay occurs in about 20 percent of children, who are low-income and underserved kids.
But turning that goal into reality was anything but simple. The process required countless meetings with attorneys, navigating the complexities of Medicaid policy, and even changing policies at the state level for Medicaid with the help of partners like Dental Medical Director of Horizon NJ Health Sam Wakim. “We believe this important public health initiative is a critical step towards improving oral health outcomes for New Jersey’s children throughout the state,” said Wakim. “We are very grateful for Dr. Giacona’s efforts and leadership.”
The program officially launched in 2026 with Franklin Township School District, spanning all seven of its elementary schools. The first visit was to Hillcrest Elementary in February. With a portable chair, a suction unit, and an enthusiastic team of dental students, they treated 30 children. By the end of the month, that number had grown to over 150. “We built this from nothing, and it was not easy, so it’s exciting to see how quickly it’s growing,” she said. “I’m super proud, but these things take a village, and it really was the whole community.”
Giacona’s leadership has been attracting many RSDM students to join her efforts. “Her commitment to prevention, outreach, and expanding access to care has been inspiring,” said Karen Eren of Class of 2027, who 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.” Those early, positive experiences, Eren noted, 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.”
Since then, the program has continued to expand. It now includes visits to Crossroads School, which serves children with special needs, and the Douglas Developmental Disability Center. Philips Academy and 13th Avenue School in Newark, as well as the JFK Center in Edison, are already in the pipeline to join. Giacona is also planning to attend back-to-school nights to connect with families and bring even more schools into the program.
With a growing network and a dedicated team, Giacona sees 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.”