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School‐based fluoride varnish programs: a national survey
Author(s) -
Bakhurji Eman,
Hoaglin Cooper LeeAnn
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/jphd.12337
Subject(s) - fluoride varnish , fluoride , varnish , dentistry , medicine , medical education , orthodontics , materials science , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , composite material , coating
Purpose To identify and describe school‐based fluoride varnish (FV) programs in K‐12 grades children in the United States. Methods This cross‐sectional study utilized an online, self‐administered survey to identify and describe school‐based FV programs in 2016. Several public health directories, mainly The Association of States and Territorial Dental Directors directory, were contacted to identify FV programs. The survey's questionnaire included 23 closed‐ended questions regarding program description, assessment, and process. Results Of 85 identified programs, 52 responded (response rate = 61 percent) with 40 school‐based FV programs in operation in 27 states. About 85 percent of responding programs apply FV as part of an existing school‐based program. Dental sealants on permanent teeth are the most common procedure provided in addition to FV (92 percent). One‐third of programs apply FV once a year versus 28 percent that apply FV twice a year. Conclusions Evidence‐based guidelines for FV in school‐based programs are needed to ensure cost‐effectiveness and continuity.