Preventive
Natalie Bakhshi, DDS
Resident
Montefiore Medical Center
New York, New York, United States
Janna Danbe, DMD
Attending Pediatric Dentist, research mentor
Montefiore Medical Center
Oradell, New Jersey, United States
Alice Lee, DDS
Associate Director/Assistant Professor
Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY)
Bronx, New York, United States
Alice Lee, DDS
Associate Director/Assistant Professor
Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY)
Bronx, New York, United States
Janna Danbe, DMD
Attending Pediatric Dentist, research mentor
Montefiore Medical Center
Oradell, New Jersey, United States
Purpose: The goals of this study to determine 1) the effectiveness of fluoride varnish as assessed by dmfs 2) the effectiveness of fluoride varnish as assessed by DMFS, and to assess the effect of the frequency of varnish application on caries prevention.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients ages 6- 8 years old, who presented to a Montefiore Pediatric Dental Clinic for a new patient examination (D0150) or recall examination (D0120) during 2019 and had fluoride varnish (D1206) applied at that visit. The patient’s dmfs and DMFS scores at that initial visit and after the three year period were recorded. The total number of fluoride varnish applications (D1206) that the patient received during the three year period was also recorded.
Results: Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to review the effect of the frequency of fluoride application on the patients' dmfs and DMFS scores. Fluoride application resulted in a 75% reduction of dmfs. Fluoride does not have a statistically significant effect on DMFS. Additionally, the frequency of application is not significantly associated with incidence of dmfs.
Conclusions: This study concludes that applications of fluoride varnish lead to a significant decrease in dmfs among children ages 6-8. Data also suggested that increased applications are leading towards a lower dmfs.