Economic aspects of the prolonged fluoride application method

Abstract

Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses were carried out to obtain an indication of the economic viability of the prolonged fluoride application (PFA) method. Using three year results from a clinical trial of the technique, the cost-benefit ratio has calculated as 1:2.1 and the cost-effectiveness as $3.49 per surface saved in three years. For purpose of general comparison the same analyses were made for an alternative measure, the placement of pit and fissure sealants. Using data from a two-year sealant trial, the cost-benefit ratio was found to be 1:0.77 and the cost-effectiveness $18.49 per surface saved in two years. The findings indicated that the PFA method can be regarded as an economically viable procedure.