Clinical Field Trial to Assess the Cost-Effectiveness of Various Caries Preventive Agents

摘要

This school-based clinical trial was designed to assess the cost and effectiveness of three caries preventive agents used singly and in combination with each other: APF gel, NaF mouthrinse, and pit and fissure sealant. The study was conducted in Springfield, MA, a non-fluoridated, industrial city. A baseline population of 1860 children, aged 11-13, was randomly assigned to a control and seven treatment groups. Treatments lasted for 3 years; one year later those remaining in the study (61%) were given a final examination. Costs included the value of all resources used in the program. Results showed no significant differences among the treatments; a significant effect for those receiving mouthrinse compared with those not receiving it, resulting in a mean DMFS reduction of .87; and a range of costs from $15.69 per subject per year for the mouthrinse treatment to $62.33 for the combined gel-rinse-sealant treatment. Direct labor accounted for 45% of all costs. The findings provide limited evidence for the efficacy of NaF mouthrinse; and indicate that the costs of preventive programs depend on the resouces used, their intensity of use, and on the compliance of the subjects.