Economic evaluation of community programs for the prevention of dental caries in Catalonia, Spain

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of three alternative community programs to prevent dental caries among Catalonia''s schoolchildren. The programs were: fluoridation of the public water supply fortnightly 0.2% NaF mouthrinses administered in schools, and supervised toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste in schools. Caries prevalence data for Catalonian children are given and the methodology for the study is described. The estimated cost of saving 1 DMFS with each program was: 53.40 Pts (US$ 0.39) with fluoridation of the water supply; 305.20 Pts (US$ 2.26) with fluoride mouthrinses; and 1498 Pts (US$ 11.09) with supervised toothbrushing. The feasibility of the programs in Catalonia and their educational values for the target population are considered.