Measure description
Percentage of children, 6 months - 20 years of age, who received a fluoride varnish application during the measurement period
Rationale
The literature reflects that fluoride varnish, when applied to the teeth of high-risk children, reduces, in conjunction with anticipatory guidance provided to the caregiver, the risk of the child developing caries (Weintraub et al., 2006).
Clinical Recommendation Statements
ADA clinical recommendations for use of professionally applied or prescription-strength, home-use topical fluorides for caries prevention in patients at elevated risk of developing caries:
- Younger Than 6 Years - 2.26 percent fluoride varnish at least every three to six months
- 6-18 Years - 2.26 percent fluoride varnish at least every three to six months OR 1.23 percent fluoride (APF*) gel for four minutes at least every three to six months
- Older Than 18 Years - 2.26 percent fluoride varnish at least every three to six months OR 1.23 percent fluoride (APF) gel for four minutes at least every three to six months (Weyant et al., 2013)
The USPSTF [US Preventive Services Task Force] recommends that primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption. (B recommendation)