Change in caries prevalence after implementation of a fluoride varnish program

In 1996 the caries prevalence of schoolchildren living in Neukölln, a district of Berlin, Germany, was higher than the mean of total Berlin. Hence, a special preventive program including the application of fluoride varnish was initiated. All 49 primary schools of the district joined the project. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a cross-sectional study whether the preventive program resulted in a reduced caries prevalence.

The complete program included oral health education as well as the application of a highly concentrated fluoride varnish (Duraphat). All children whose parents' consent was given could receive fluoride varnish twice a year. All children were examined once a year by four calibrated dentists. The baseline examination was conducted in 1995-96, the final examination in 1999-2000 (1995-96: n = 7,748; 1996-97: n =15,673; 1997-98: n = 19,362; 1998-99: n = 19,822; 1999-2000: n = 17,984).

A total of 80,589 dental records were used for data analysis. A decline of DMFT-values was observed in all age groups and school years. The major improvement was found in school year 1999-2000, when the program had been established for four years.

The described program may be an effective public health measure for 6- to 12-year-old children with high caries prevalence.