Materials and methods: In a clinical trial on Chinese primary school children, permanent first molars with deep fissures or early caries were randomly treated by one of the following three dental caries prevention methods: 1) topical application of a 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution; 2) topical application of a 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish; and 3) placement of a light-cured resin sealant. The treatments were carried out using portable dental equipment and hand instruments in the primary school by dentists. No assistant was involved when applying the topical fluoride agents while the dentist was assisted by an assistant when placing the resin sealants. The amount of materials and the time used in carrying out each type of treatment was recorded.
Results: SDF was applied on 390 molars in 125 children while NaF was applied on 385 molars in 124 children. A total of 371 sealants were placed in 124 children. The average material cost for treating one molar by SDF, NaF and sealant was RMB¥ 2.2, 1.1, and 2.2, respectively (exchange rate: RMB ¥1 = USD $0.15 ). The respective mean time for treatment was 20 seconds, 20 seconds, and 3.5 minutes. Based on a salary of RMB 50 per hour for a dentist, the staff cost for treating one molar by topical fluoride and sealant was RMB¥ 0.3 and 2.9, respectively.
Conclusions: The total cost, including material and staff, of using resin sealant to prevent pit and fissure caries in permanent molars of school children is much higher than that of using either SDF solution or NaF varnish.
Supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (Project No. HKU771207M)