Prevalence of Receipt of Fluoride Varnish Application in the Medical Setting and Associated Factors Among Children in Indiana, Iowa, and North Carolina, 2013-2022.

OBJECTIVE: Fluoride varnish is a prevention measure for dental caries among children, but few studies have assessed its use in medical settings. This study aimed to determine the period-specific and cumulative prevalence of the receipt of fluoride varnish application among children in the medical setting and associated factors. METHODS: A parent study enrolled 1326 primary caregiver/child dyads in Indiana, Iowa, and North Carolina; conducted 6 child dental examinations with primary caregiver questionnaires; and administered intermediate questionnaires every 4 months during 2013-2022. Responses were combined from 2- or 4-month time periods to determine the 1.5-year cumulative rates for children aged 1 to 9.5 years. Researchers conducted bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess factors associated with the receipt of fluoride varnish application only from age 1 to 2.5 years. RESULTS: The 18-month cumulative prevalence of the receipt of fluoride varnish application in the medical setting from the child's age of 1 to 2.5 years was 20.4%, and the prevalence decreased to 12.9%, 6.4%, and 1.9% among children aged 2.5 to 4 years, 6.5 to 8 years, and 8 to 9.5 years, respectively. The following factors were significantly positively associated with fluoride varnish application in the medical setting: Medicaid insured, low annual household income, Duke University study site, child's frequent consumption of sugary beverages, child enrolled in other public assistance programs, and child's infrequent dentist visits. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of fluoride varnish application in the medical setting is low. Factors associated with the receipt of fluoride varnish can be targeted to increase caries prevention through the expanded use of fluoride varnish application in the medical setting.

Duke Scholars

Author Martha Ann Keels Surgery