Objectives: To appraise existing evidence on the caries preventing effect of glass ionomer cement (GIC) used as sealants. Methods: 9 anglo-and 2 lusophone databases were searched using English and Portuguese key words (7 June 2005). Relevant articles in English, German, Portuguese and Spanish were included for further review. Trials were excluded on lack of randomisation, control group, blinding and baseline data, drop out rate >33%, no statistical adjustment of baseline differences and no assessment of clinically important outcomes. Reviews were excluded on lack of information on article selection criteria, search strategy followed, search key words, searched databases or lack of study-by-study critique tables. In case of multiple reports from the same study, the report of the longest period was included. Two reviewers independently reviewed articles and extracted information. A quality assessment of accepted articles was carried out. Results: 156 articles were identified of which 28 were judged to be relevant. 2 reviews and 15 trials were excluded. Of the 11 accepted articles 1 trial of strong quality did not demonstrate any caries protective effect on primary molars. 1 systematic review did not included trials comparing GIC with resin-based sealants and reported only incomplete evidence. 5 trials of good and 2 trials of reasonable quality demonstrated that low viscose GIC had the same level of fissure protection on permanent molars, despite much lower retention rate as resin-based sealants; 1 trial (good quality) demonstrated significant caries prevention compared to unsealed teeth and 1 trial (good quality) showed both. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that GIC protects pits and fissures of permanent molars against caries at the same level as resin-based sealants. Support or Funding: The review was supported by GC Asia and Midentistry.com

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