Measure description
Percentage of children, 1 - 20 years of age, who received two fluoride varnish applications during the measurement period as determined by a dentist
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 (Weyant et al., 2013). Evidence in the literature also specifically supports the effectiveness of professionally applied fluoride varnish at preventing caries in higher risk children (Chou et al., 2014).
Clinical Recommendation Statements
The 2013 American Dental Association (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 United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) recommends the use of professionally applied fluoride varnish for the prevention of dental caries in high risk children under 5 years of age (Chou et al., 2014).