Cost-effectiveness of 12-month Pit-fissure Sealant on First Molars

Abstract

The purpose of this service-based study was to analyze cost-effectiveness of pit-fissure sealant on grade 1-2 pupils’ permanent first molars. The overall recipients were 174 persons, 421 teeth. The service using 3 sealant materials; Concise®, Prevocare® and Dentguard®, was done at Department of Health’s dental clinic during October-December 2006 with 6-month and 12-month follow up. The direct cost composed of labour, dental equipment depreciation and meterial cost was compared to the effectiveness which was the retention of the three materials’.

The average direct cost of the sealing was 176.53 baht per tooth that the proportion of labour cost was 67.3 percent. Sealing with Dentguard® had the highest cost which was 177.86 baht per tooth while those of Concise® and Prevocare® were 177.32 and 174.79 baht per tooth, respectively.

After sealing 12 months, 106 persons, 266 teeth could be examined for sealant retention. The complete retention rate was 46.99 percent. Sealing with Concise® had the highest retention rate (59.09%) while those of Dentguard® and Prevocare® were 41.49 and 40.48 percent, respectively. However, the retention rates were not significantly different. Concise® had the best cost effectiveness which was 300 baht per complete retention tooth while that of Dentguard® and Prevocare® was 429 and 432 baht per complete retention tooth, respectively.