title: Economic Evaluation of a School-based Combined Program with a Targeted Pit and Fissure Sealant and Fluoride Mouth Rinse in Japan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Niigata prefecture, Japan, a system has been developed based on a school-based fluoride mouth rinse program as follows; students with caries susceptible teeth are screened in a school dental examination, and encouraged to receive sealant placement in local dental clinics. However, the cost-effectiveness of sealant application in the public health has been questioned. The aim of this study was to estimate of the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio for a school-based combined program with fluoride mouth rinse and targeted fissure sealant in children residing in non-fluoridated areas in Japan.
  
  
  METHODS
  The analysis was based on comparing an intervention group with two cohorts in the 8-year-old (n=66) and 11-year-old (n=58) participating in the combined program for four and seven years, respectively, with a control group of the same grades (n=43 and n=54 respectively).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study measured mean differences in number of decayed and filled teeth (DFT) between the study groups and a combined program cost per child during study periods. The cost-effectiveness ratio was expressed as an individual annual program cost per DFT averted. In the cost-benefit ratio the mean difference in treatment cost between groups (program benefit) was compared to program cost.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean reduced DFT differences between groups were 1.44 in 8-year-old and 3.17 in 11-year-old children. The cost-effectiveness ratio was ¥ 493 in the 8-year-old and ¥ 202 in the 11-year-old, respectively. The cost-benefit ratio was 1.84 in 8-year-old children and 2.42 in 11-year-old.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This combined program indicated acceptable cost-effectiveness and cost -benefit ratio.
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, Japan.
authors.forename: Shihoko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sakuma
authors.forename: Akihiro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yoshihara
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Miyazaki
authors.forename: Seigo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kobayashi