Eman Bakhurji1, LeeAnn Hoaglin Cooper2. 1. Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. 2. ASTDD consultant, ASTDD Fluorides Committee.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To identify and describe school-based fluoride varnish (FV) programs in K-12 grades children in the United States. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized an online, self-administered survey to identify and describe school-based FV programs in 2016. Several public health directories, mainly The Association of States and Territorial Dental Directors directory, were contacted to identify FV programs. The survey's questionnaire included 23 closed-ended questions regarding program description, assessment, and process. RESULTS: Of 85 identified programs, 52 responded (response rate = 61 percent) with 40 school-based FV programs in operation in 27 states. About 85 percent of responding programs apply FV as part of an existing school-based program. Dental sealants on permanent teeth are the most common procedure provided in addition to FV (92 percent). One-third of programs apply FV once a year versus 28 percent that apply FV twice a year. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based guidelines for FV in school-based programs are needed to ensure cost-effectiveness and continuity.
PURPOSE: To identify and describe school-based fluoride varnish (FV) programs in K-12 grades children in the United States. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized an online, self-administered survey to identify and describe school-based FV programs in 2016. Several public health directories, mainly The Association of States and Territorial Dental Directors directory, were contacted to identify FV programs. The survey's questionnaire included 23 closed-ended questions regarding program description, assessment, and process. RESULTS: Of 85 identified programs, 52 responded (response rate = 61 percent) with 40 school-based FV programs in operation in 27 states. About 85 percent of responding programs apply FV as part of an existing school-based program. Dental sealants on permanent teeth are the most common procedure provided in addition to FV (92 percent). One-third of programs apply FV once a year versus 28 percent that apply FV twice a year. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based guidelines for FV in school-based programs are needed to ensure cost-effectiveness and continuity.
Authors: John Skinner; Yvonne Dimitropoulos; Boe Rambaldini; Thomas Calma; Kate Raymond; Rahila Ummer-Christian; Neil Orr; Kylie Gwynne Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-11-26 Impact factor: 3.390