Cost-effectiveness and Cost-benefit of Fluoride Varnish for Caries Prevention
Summary
This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of fluoride varnish (FV) interventions for preventing caries in the first permanent molars (FPMs) among children in rural areas in Guangxi, China. The findings suggest that a comprehensive intervention combining FV application with oral health education is more cost-effective and beneficial for preventing caries in economically disadvantaged rural areas.
Results
After three years of intervention, the prevalence of caries in the group receiving fluoride varnish was 50.85%, with an average decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index score of 1.12, compared to 59.04% prevalence and a DMFT index score of 1.36 in the control group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the fluoride varnish group was 25.36 USD per caries prevented, and the cost-benefit ratio (CBR) was 1.74 USD benefits per 1 USD cost.
Conclusions
Compared to oral health education alone, combining fluoride varnish application with oral health education is a practical and valuable approach for preventing caries in children living in economically disadvantaged rural areas. These findings could inform policy-making and clinical choices to improve children’s oral health.
Source: BMC Oral Health. 2024 May 9;24(1):534. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04220-x.
