BEIJING-- About 1.49 million children aged seven to nine in China benefited from a dental care service program in 2017, official data said.

The government-funded program has effectively prevented cavities from developing by applying a special varnish to seal pits and fissures in children's teeth, according to the office in charge of the program under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance and the National Health Commission.

Nearly 2.67 million school-age children across the country went through oral examinations under financial support by central and local governments last year, according to the office.

China's 30th "national day for dental care" falls on Thursday.