INTENSIVE FLUORIDE VARNISH PROGRAM IN SWEDISH ADOLESCENT - ECONOMIC-ASSESSMENT OF A 7-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY ON PROXIMAL CARIES INCIDENCE

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect after 7 years of an intensive fluoride varnish program in the age interval 11-14 co mpared to a standard biannual fluoride varnish program. Special refere nce was made to factors explaining the individual variance in caries i ncidence between 11-14 and 11-17 years as well as the net benefit of t he intensified fluoride varnish program. Two caries measures, one unwe ighted (DFS0) and one weighted (DFS1), were used. Besides three caries measures D-1-D-3 were used to distinguish different grades of decay w here DI is enamel lesion and Dg dentinal lesion. The results show stat istically significant differences for the age interval 11-17 years acc ording to mean values of DFS0, DFS1 and D-1. Regression analyses for c aries incidence in the time interval 11-14 gives only explanation (i.e . significant estimated coefficient value) for caries prevalence at 11 years of age irrespective of caries measure, but in the age interval 11-17 years regression analysis also gives explanation for the variabl e father's education and the fluoride preventive measures in the age i nterval 11-14. The cost/benefit analysis shows net total costs of 3,88 0 SEK and net total benefits of 5,000 SEK over a time span of 10 years discounted to 1982 using an annual discount rate of 5%.