The Implications of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Medical Technology. Background Paper No. 2: Case Studies of Medical Technologies. Case Study No. 5: Periodontal Disease. Assessing the Effectiveness and Costs of the Keyes Technique

摘要

Researchers can point to mounting evidence that dentistry is gaining the scientific knowledge that will provide the public some measures for the prevention and management of periodontal disease. Dentistry has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to support major public health efforts. Dental researchers and practitioners have actively participated in the development of the scientific base, clinical applications, and promotion of measures to control dental caries through the use of fluoride and, more recently, sealants. Now the dental research community is seeking to conquer caries totally by developing a caries vaccine. Research towards this goal is being carried out at a number of research centers, supported cooperatively by universities and the National Institutes of Health. While our scientific knowledge base for periodontal disease may lag behind that for caries, significant advances have been made in the last decade and a half by a diverse and dedicated group of scientists and concerned clinicians.