Sixty permanent molars from children aged 6-12 years, who visits The Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at The Oxford Dental College and meet the inclusion criteria, will be selected for the study. The selected children will be assigned to two groups, with 30 permanent molars in each group.

Group 1: High viscocity glass ionomer based sealant.

Group 2: Resin based sealant.

The split mouth design will be chosen for 30 patients to compare two sealants, the high viscocity glass ionomer sealant, (IonoStar® Plus, VOCO) will be applied on permanent molar in one quadrant and the resin based sealant (Helioseal® F Plus, Ivoclar vivadent) on the contralateral side of the permanent molar as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Prior to the application of sealant, the scaling procedure will be carried out, followed by prophylaxis using slurry of pumice and a rotating brush to ensure removal of plaque and debris from the enamel surfaces and fissures. ICDAS II scores will be assessed. Tooth will be isolated using minidam technique as per the manufacturer’s instructions(DMG).

The glass ionomer sealant material [Group 1] is available as capsules. The sealant is applied on the occlusal surface of the teeth following manufacturer’s instructions. The capsule must only be activated directly before use and loaded immediately into a high frequency amalgamator and mixed for 10 seconds. Capsule is removed from the mixer without delay and inserted in the holder of an application device, apply the material directly into the cavity within 10 seconds of the end of mixing by compressing the lever on the applicator slowly and evenly. Sealant can be worked for at least 1minute, material will be prevented from moisture contamination and protective varnish will be applied after the contours have been finished.

Similarly, the occlusal surface of the teeth in the contralateral side will be etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15-30 seconds, rinsed thoroughly with water, air-dried for 5 seconds until a chalky-white enamel surface will be visible, followed by the application of [Group 2] resin based sealant to the fissure pattern by distributing with dental probe, prevent air bubbles from getting incorporated. It is then light cured for 10-20 seconds.

An explorer will be used to check complete coverage of pit and fissures of first permanent molars. The set sealants should be checked for high points with an articulating paper and if present, will be reduced with a finishing bur.

Patient will be instructed not to eat for at least one hour after the procedure.

The follow up examinations will be conducted at first, third, sixth and twelve months. At each recall visit, Modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS)/Modified Ryge criteria will be used to check for the retention and marginal adaptation of sealants using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) probe. In case of sealant loss, ICDAS II will be used to check for caries.