IADR Abstract Archives
Fluoride applications and fissure sealants among Indigenous children – findings from the National Child Oral Health Study 2012-14.
Objectives: To evaluate the use of fluoride applications and fissure sealants among a population-based sample of Indigenous children.
Methods: Data collected in the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) 2012-14 were used. NCOHS is a population-based cross-sectional study of children aged 5–14 years in all Australian states/territories. Complex multistage random sample selection and data weighting procedures ensured representativeness of the study sample. Detailed oral epidemiological examination and a parental questionnaire provided comprehensive data. Indigenous identity of children was collected through the parental questionnaire. The questionnaire collected self-reported timing and number of fluoride applications. Fissure sealants were identified and recorded during the oral examinations.
Results: A total of 1102 Indigenous children were included in the NCOHS dataset. Dental caries experience was significantly higher among Indigenous than among non-Indigenous children. However, Indigenous children received fewer fissure sealants than non-Indigenous children. Some 16% of Indigenous children had fluoride application compared to 25% non-Indigenous children.
Conclusions: The use of fissure sealants and fluoride application was relatively lower among Australian Indigenous children than the general population. Potential determinants of such underutilisation need to be identified.
Methods: Data collected in the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) 2012-14 were used. NCOHS is a population-based cross-sectional study of children aged 5–14 years in all Australian states/territories. Complex multistage random sample selection and data weighting procedures ensured representativeness of the study sample. Detailed oral epidemiological examination and a parental questionnaire provided comprehensive data. Indigenous identity of children was collected through the parental questionnaire. The questionnaire collected self-reported timing and number of fluoride applications. Fissure sealants were identified and recorded during the oral examinations.
Results: A total of 1102 Indigenous children were included in the NCOHS dataset. Dental caries experience was significantly higher among Indigenous than among non-Indigenous children. However, Indigenous children received fewer fissure sealants than non-Indigenous children. Some 16% of Indigenous children had fluoride application compared to 25% non-Indigenous children.
Conclusions: The use of fissure sealants and fluoride application was relatively lower among Australian Indigenous children than the general population. Potential determinants of such underutilisation need to be identified.