Cost‐effectiveness of an experimental caries‐control regimen in a 3.4‐yr randomized clinical trial among 11–12‐yr‐old Finnish schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of an experimental caries‐control regimen in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted in Pori, Finland, in 2001–2005. Children (n = 497) who were 11–12 yr of age and had at least one active initial caries lesion at baseline were studied. The children in the experimental group (n = 250) were offered an individually designed patient‐centered regimen for caries control. The children in the control group (n = 247) received standard dental care. Furthermore, the whole population was exposed to continuous community‐level oral health promotion. Individual costs of treatment procedures and outcomes (DMFS increment score) for the follow‐up period of 3.4 yr were calculated for each child in both groups. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was €34.07 per averted DMF surface. The experimental regimen was more effective, and also more costly. However, the total costs decreased year after year, and for the last 2 yr the experimental regimen was less expensive than the standard dental care. The experimental regimen would probably have been more cost‐effective than standard dental care if the follow‐up period had been longer, the regimen less comprehensive, and/or if dental nurses had conducted the preventive procedures.     

Caries prevalence,severity, and 3‐year increment,and their impact upon New Zealand adolescents' oral‐health‐related quality of life

Objective: To examine dental caries experience among New Zealand adolescents and determine the nature of caries‐associated differences in oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents. Method: Follow‐up was conducted of a random sample of 430 children first examined in 2003 at age 13, when they completed the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ_11‐14). At age 16, 255 (59.3% of the baseline sample) were re‐examined and again completed the CPQ_11‐14. Results: Caries prevalence (1 + DMFS) rose from 68% to 79.2%; mean DMFS rose from 2.9 (SD 4.7) to 3.6 (SD 4.8), and the prevalence of high caries experience (5 + DMFS) rose from 20.0% to 40.8%. The 3‐year mean net caries increment of 0.5 surfaces (SD 2.6) was dominated by occlusal surfaces. At both ages, overall CPQ_11‐14 scores, as well as emotional well‐being subscale scores, were significantly higher for those with DMFS values of 5 or more. Conclusion: Caries experience increased over the three years; this age group is caries‐active. Dental caries affects adolescents' OHRQoL, although not as strongly as maybe expected.     

A novel finding of oligodontia and ankyloglossia in a 14‐year‐old with Floating‐Harbor syndrome

Floating‐Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by distinct facial features, short stature and delayed skeletal development. Here we present case of a 14‐year‐old boy with short stature, typical facial features, impaired voice quality, clinodactyly, cryptorchidism and unilateral agenesis of kidney. In addition he had oligodontia and ankyloglossia with features suggestive of FHS. Treatment rendered was restoration of caries, application of pit and fissure sealants followed by frenectomy. The purpose of this report is to highlight the oral developmental anomalies and the management of a patient with FHS and to add to the current knowledge of the literature on this syndrome.