Variation in Periodicity and Frequency in Silver Diamine Fluoride Application

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Location: Sails Pavilion

Variation in Periodicity and Frequency in Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Application, Kabouris A (Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY)

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the difference in SDF application periodicity and frequency among pediatric dental programs, and to examine if patient and program characteristics are associated with the SDF periodicity and frequency.

Methods: An online survey was sent to 104 pediatric dental residency program directors. The survey consisted of 16 questions regarding program site characteristics, SDF application protocol, periodicity of SDF application, and frequency of SDF application.

Results: Out of 104 pediatric dental residency program directors, 17 responded to the survey (16%). Nine programs (53%) were hospital-based, and 8 programs (47%) were academic or university-based, community health center based, and academic or university-based programs with community health center components. All programs teach SDF application to arrest caries, however 3 programs (18%) stated their pediatric dental residents did not routinely apply SDF to patients. Most of the programs (11 programs, 65%) routinely scheduled SDF re-evaluation and re-application on buccal, lingual or occlusal caries in 2-4 weeks. The results showed that there are a wide range of SDF application protocols, and that more than half of the program directors were not confident that their current protocols are adequate enough to arrest caries.

Conclusions: Because of the wide range of SDF re-application periodicity and frequency among pediatric dental residency programs, it is necessary to implement evidence-based universal clinical guidelines for SDF re-application. Future studies need to determine the optimal SDF re-application periodicity and frequency to achieve the best possible outcome, with the minimum number of patient visits and resources.