Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this practice-based study was to identify factors associated with choice of caries management method in first permanent molars in high-risk children treated in Public Dental Service in Norway.
Methods
The present study was based on practice-based observational data from 366 high-risk children (6–9 years). Caries management of occlusal surface of first permanent molars was used as outcome variable and categorized into “no treatment”, “fluoride varnish” or “fissure sealant”. Patient-related variables (age, gender, oral hygiene, caries experience at age 5, sugar snacking and dental anxiety), tooth-related variables (upper or lower jaw and diagnosis of occlusal surface) and county were used as independent variables. Data were analysed by descriptive analyses followed by generalized structural equation models (GSEM) and presented as relative risk ratios (RRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
In 319 of the 366 children, both first permanent molars in the same jaw were available for analyses, 276 (87%) had the same diagnosis for both teeth and received the same treatment. Multivariable analysis at patient level showed that age (RRR = 2.42, CI 1.38, 4.23) and caries experience (RRR = 1.39, CI 1.09, 1.77) were associated with higher probability of fissure sealant, while the county variable was significantly associated with lower probability for fluoride varnish use (RRR = 0.03 (0.004, 0.31).
Conclusion
The majority of high-risk children in PDS received fluoride varnish or fissure sealants on newly erupted occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars. In addition to age and caries experience of the child, county appeared to substantially influence occlusal caries management method.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Nina J. Wang for her contribution to the planning of the study and the dentists and dental hygienists at Viken (Østfold) and Innlandet (Oppland and Hedmark) counties who contributed with data collection in the present study.
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The study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics South East Norway (2016/2002/REK sør-øst C).
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Skudutyte-Rysstad, R., Mdala, I. & Uhlen, MM. Fissure sealants or fluoride varnish? Factors associated with choice of management method for occlusal caries in Public Dental Service in Norway. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 23, 455–464 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-022-00708-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-022-00708-8