title: Cost-minimization analysis of a tailored oral health intervention designed for immigrant older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper presents an economic evaluation, from a societal viewpoint, comparing a community-based oral health promotion program aimed at improving the gingival health of immigrant older adults, with one-on-one chairside oral hygiene instructions at a public dental clinic in Melbourne, Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The costs associated with implementing and operating the oral health promotion program were identified and measured using 2008 prices. The intervention was based on the Oral Health Information Seminars/Sheets model, and consisted of 10 20-min oral hygiene group seminars and four 10-min supervised individual brushing sessions carried out by a non-oral health professional educator. Health outcomes were measured as a reduction in gingival bleeding. Clinical data showed a 75% reduction in mean gingival bleeding scores among those who took part in the intervention. A population of 100 active, independent-living older adults living in Melbourne, and members of Italian social clubs, was used for modeling in this analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This analysis estimated that if an oral hygiene program using the Oral Health Information Seminars/Sheets model was available to 100 older adults, the net cost from a societal perspective would be AUD$6965.20. In comparison, a standard individual oral hygiene instruction program, at public dental clinics, given equivalent levels of case complexity and assuming the same level of effectiveness, would cost AUD$40 185.00. Per participant cost of a community-based oral health promotion program was $69.65 versus $401.85 for chairside instruction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings confirm that community-based oral health interventions are highly cost-effective and an efficient use of society's financial resources.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Rodrigo J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mariño
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fajardo
authors.forename: Hanny
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Calache
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000191:economics*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health / Q000191:economics* / Q000193:education*; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000193:education*
keywords: cost-minimization; elderly; emigrants and immigrants; health promotion; oral health