IADR Abstract Archives
Patient Perceptions of Three Fluoride Varnish Products
Objectives: To assess subject perceptions of oral sensation (mouth feel, flavor etc.) of an investigational and two marketed varnish products.
Methods: This was a randomized, parallel design study of three fluoride varnish products (3M™ Investigational, 3M™ Vanish, Colgate® PreviDent®) to assess patient perceptions after application. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 varnish treatment groups (50 subjects per group, 25 age 5 – 17, and 25 age 18 and older). After informed consent was obtained, subjects were enrolled if they met the inclusion criteria. Varnish was applied by a dentist, dental assistant or dental hygienist. Subjects answered oral sensation questions based on a 5 point Likert scale from very satisfied to very unsatisfied. A Chi-Square Test was used to test for treatment group differences. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The statistical analyses was performed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).
Results: 162 subjects were screened; 150 subjects met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and completed the study. 55% were female. The mean age range for the pediatric group was 10.4 (5-17), and adult 39.9 (18-87). Subject race was white (49%), Asian (29%), Black (17%) and other (11%). Varnish was applied by 47 users: dental hygienist (74%), dental assistants (21%) and dentists (5%). There were no statistically significant differences between varnishes for pain when applied (p=0.58), satisfaction with taste (p=0.18), smell (p=0.21), feel (p=0.37), appearance on teeth (p=0.11) and overall satisfaction (p=0.91). 74% of adults and children were very satisfied or satisfied with any of the three varnishes.
Conclusions: There are many fluoride varnish products on the market with varying compositions, delivery and packaging options. Subject acceptance and satisfaction with varnish products is an important part of a varnish treatment. In this study, subjects reported equal and acceptable satisfaction with all 3 varnishes.
Methods: This was a randomized, parallel design study of three fluoride varnish products (3M™ Investigational, 3M™ Vanish, Colgate® PreviDent®) to assess patient perceptions after application. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 varnish treatment groups (50 subjects per group, 25 age 5 – 17, and 25 age 18 and older). After informed consent was obtained, subjects were enrolled if they met the inclusion criteria. Varnish was applied by a dentist, dental assistant or dental hygienist. Subjects answered oral sensation questions based on a 5 point Likert scale from very satisfied to very unsatisfied. A Chi-Square Test was used to test for treatment group differences. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The statistical analyses was performed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).
Results: 162 subjects were screened; 150 subjects met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and completed the study. 55% were female. The mean age range for the pediatric group was 10.4 (5-17), and adult 39.9 (18-87). Subject race was white (49%), Asian (29%), Black (17%) and other (11%). Varnish was applied by 47 users: dental hygienist (74%), dental assistants (21%) and dentists (5%). There were no statistically significant differences between varnishes for pain when applied (p=0.58), satisfaction with taste (p=0.18), smell (p=0.21), feel (p=0.37), appearance on teeth (p=0.11) and overall satisfaction (p=0.91). 74% of adults and children were very satisfied or satisfied with any of the three varnishes.
Conclusions: There are many fluoride varnish products on the market with varying compositions, delivery and packaging options. Subject acceptance and satisfaction with varnish products is an important part of a varnish treatment. In this study, subjects reported equal and acceptable satisfaction with all 3 varnishes.