Cost-analysis of school-based fluoride varnish and fluoride rinsing programs.
OBJECTIVE
From a dental care perspective, we analyze whether the prevention of approximal caries by fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) or by fluoride mouth rinsing (FMR) could contain costs in an extended period of follow-up after the end of school-based prevention programs.


METHODS
It is assumed in a model that, after 3 years of prevention with either FVT or FMR according to published studies, the "natural course" of approximal caries progression would follow for 5 consecutive years, as described in a Swedish longitudinal study. The outcome and costs of FVT, FMR and controls were modelled from years 4 to 8.


RESULTS
The FVT program had a better outcome in reducing approximal caries than FMR, and costs were lower. The FVT was expected to result in cost containment compared to controls 3 years after the end of the preventive FVT program. The ratio benefits to costs were 1.8: 1 for FVT and 0.9: 1 for FMR.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of approximal caries by FVT may result in cost containment, at a benefit cost ratio of 1.8: 1, given that the program can be administered at school.
Sköld
Ulla Moberg
UM
Department of Preventive Dental Care, Vastra Gotaland Region, Goteborg, Sweden. ulla.mobergskold@vgregion.se
Petersson
Lars G
LG
Birkhed
Dowen
D
Norlund
Anders
A
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003663:Decision Trees; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000191:economics*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018803:Models, Economic; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000191:economics; D011313:Preventive Dentistry / Q000191:economics*; D012571:School Dentistry / Q000191:economics*; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D009067:Mouthwashes; C023807:sodium fluoride topical preparation; D012969:Sodium Fluoride