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Cost-analysis of school-based fluoride varnish and fluoride rinsing programs
Ulla Moberg Sköld1, Lars G Petersson, Dowen Birkhed
1Department of Preventive Dental Care, Vastra Gotaland Region, Goteborg, Sweden. ulla.mobergskold@vgregion.se
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|August 23, 2008
Summary
Fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) for preventing approximal caries offers cost containment for dental care, showing a favorable 1.8:1 benefit-cost ratio. Fluoride mouth rinsing (FMR) was less effective and more costly.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Health Economics
- Preventive Dentistry
Background:
- School-based fluoride interventions are common for preventing dental caries.
- Long-term cost-effectiveness of these programs after cessation needs evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) and fluoride mouth rinsing (FMR) for preventing approximal caries.
- To analyze cost containment potential in the extended follow-up period after school-based programs.
Main Methods:
- A cost-effectiveness model was developed, simulating 5 years of natural caries progression post-3-year intervention.
- Outcomes and costs of FVT, FMR, and control groups were analyzed from model years 4 to 8.
- Data from a Swedish longitudinal study informed the caries progression model.
Main Results:
- Fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) demonstrated superior caries reduction compared to fluoride mouth rinsing (FMR).
- FVT was associated with lower costs and projected cost containment against controls.
- Benefit-cost ratios were 1.8:1 for FVT and 0.9:1 for FMR.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) administered at school shows potential for cost containment in preventing approximal caries.
- FVT offers a favorable benefit-cost ratio of 1.8:1 for long-term dental cost management.
