Effect of fluoridated water on invasive NHS dental treatments for adults: the LOTUS retrospective cohort study and economic evaluation.

Background: Most water fluoridation studies were conducted on children before the widespread introduction of fluoride toothpastes. There is a lack of evidence that can be applied to contemporary populations, particularly adolescents and adults. Objective: To pragmatically assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of water fluoridation for preventing dental treatment and improving oral health in a contemporary population of adults, using a natural experiment design. Design: Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected National Health Service dental claims (FP17) data. Setting: National Health Service primary dental care: general dental practices, prisons, community dental services, domiciliary settings, urgent/out-of-hours and specialised referral-only services. Participants: Dental patients aged 12 years and over living in England (n = 6,370,280). Intervention and comparison: Individuals exposed to drinking water with a fluoride concentration ≥ 0.7 mg F/l between 2010 and 2020 were matched to non-exposed individuals on key characteristics using propensity scores. Outcome measures: Primary: number of National Health Service invasive dental treatments (restorations/'fillings' and extractions) received per person between 2010 and 2020. Secondary: decayed, missing and filled teeth, missing teeth, inequalities, cost effectiveness and return on investment. Data sources: National Health Service Business Services Authority dental claims data. Water quality monitoring data. Primary outcome: Predicted mean number of invasive dental treatments was 3% lower in the optimally fluoridated group than in the sub/non-optimally fluoridated group (incidence rate ratio 0.969, 95% CI 0.967 to 0.971), a difference of -0.173 invasive dental treatments (95% CI -0.185 to -0.161). This magnitude of effect is smaller than what most stakeholders we engaged with (n = 50/54) considered meaningful. Secondary outcomes: Mean decayed, missing and filled teeth were 2% lower in the optimally fluoridated group, with a difference of -0.212 decayed, missing and filled teeth (95% CI -0.229 to -0.194). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of missing teeth per person (0.006, 95% CI -0.008 to 0.021). There was no compelling evidence that water fluoridation reduced social inequalities in treatments received or missing teeth; however, decayed, missing and filled teeth data did not demonstrate a typical inequalities gradient. Optimal water fluoridation in England in 2010-20 was estimated to cost £10.30 per person (excluding original setup costs). Mean National Health Service treatment costs for fluoridated patients 2010-20 were 5.5% lower per person, by £22.26 (95% CI -£23.09 to -£21.43), and patients paid £7.64 less in National Health Service dental charges per person (2020 prices). Limitations: Pragmatic, observational study with potential for non-differential errors of misclassification in fluoridation assignment and outcome measurement and residual and/or unmeasured confounding. Decayed, missing and filled teeth data have not been validated. Water fluoridation cost estimates are based on existing programmes between 2010 and 2020, and therefore do not include the potentially significant capital investment required for new programmes. Conclusions: Receipt of optimal water fluoridation between 2010 and 2020 resulted in very small health effects, which may not be meaningful for individuals, and we could find no evidence of a reduction in social inequalities. Existing water fluoridation programmes in England produced a positive return on investment between 2010 and 2020 due to slightly lower National Health Service treatment costs. These relatively small savings should be evaluated against the projected costs and lifespan of any proposed capital investment in water fluoridation, including new programmes. Future work: National Health Service dental data are a valuable resource for research. Further validation and measures to improve quality and completeness are warranted. Trial registrations: This trial is registered as ISRCTN96479279, CAG: 20/CAG/0072, IRAS: 20/NE/0144. Funding: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR128533) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 12, No. 5. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents tooth decay. It is added to some drinking water and toothpastes to improve dental health. Water with fluoride added is known as 'optimally fluoridated'. Most research on water fluoridation was carried out before fluoride was added to toothpastes in the 1970s and only included children. We wanted to know if water fluoridation still produced large reductions in tooth decay, now that decay levels are much lower because of fluoride in toothpaste. We also wanted to look at its effect on adults and teenagers. Dental patients we spoke to told us they worried about needing treatment with the 'drill', or 'injection', losing their teeth and paying for their dental care. To see if water fluoridation helped with these concerns, we compared the National Health Service dental records of 6.4 million adults and teenagers who received optimally fluoridated or non-optimally fluoridated water in England between 2010 and 2020. We found water fluoridation made a very small difference to each person. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of NHS fillings and extractions was 3% lower per person for those who received optimally fluoridated water. We found no difference in the number of teeth lost per person and no strong sign that fluoridation reduced differences in dental health between rich and poor areas. Between 2010 and 2020, the cost of optimal water fluoridation was £10.30 per person (not including setup costs). National Health Service dental patients who received optimally fluoridated water cost the National Health Service £22.26 (5.5%) less and paid £7.64 (2%) less per person in National Health Service dental charges over the 10 years. The benefits we found are much smaller than in the past, when toothpastes did not contain fluoride. The cost to set up a new water fluoridation programme can be high. Communities may need to consider if these smaller benefits would still outweigh the costs.

A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Effects of Teledentistry on Costs and Oral-Health Outcomes.

Teledentistry offers possibilities for improving efficiency and quality of care and supporting cost-effective healthcare systems. This umbrella review aims to synthesize existing systematic reviews on teledentistry and provide a summary of evidence of its clinical- and cost-effectiveness. A comprehensive search strategy involving various teledentistry-related terms, across seven databases, was conducted. Articles published until 24 April 2023 were considered. Two researchers independently reviewed titles, abstracts and full-text articles. The quality of the included reviews was critically appraised with the AMSTAR-2 checklist. Out of 749 studies identified, 10 were included in this umbrella review. Two reviews focusing on oral-health outcomes revealed that, despite positive findings, there is not yet enough evidence for the long-term clinical effectiveness of teledentistry. Ten reviews reported on economic evaluations or costs, indicating that teledentistry is cost-saving. However, these conclusions were based on assumptions due to insufficient evidence on cost-effectiveness. The main limitation of our umbrella review was the critically low quality of the included reviews according to AMSTAR-2 criteria, with many of these reviews basing their conclusions on low-quality studies. This highlights the need for high-quality experimental studies (e.g., RCTs, factorial designs, stepped-wedge designs, SMARTs and MRTs) to assess teledentistry's clinical- and cost-effectiveness.

Improving oral health and related health behaviours (substance use, smoking, diet) in people with severe and multiple disadvantage: A systematic review of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions.

BACKGROUND: People experiencing homelessness co-occurring with substance use or offending ('severe and multiple disadvantage' SMD) often have high levels of poor oral health and related health behaviours (particularly, substance use, smoking, poor diet). This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions in adults experiencing SMD to improve oral health and related health behaviours. METHODS AND FINDINGS: From inception to February 2023, five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) and grey literature were searched. Two researchers independently screened the search results. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparative studies and economic evaluations were included that reported outcomes on oral health and the related health behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed and results narratively synthesized. Meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. This review was registered with PROSPERO (reg. no: CRD42020202416). Thirty-eight studies were included (published between 1991 and 2023) with 34 studies reporting about effectiveness. Most studies reported on substance use (n = 30). Interventions with a combination of housing support with substance use and mental health support such as contingent work therapy appeared to show some reduction in substance use in SMD groups. However, meta-analyses showed no statistically significant results. Most studies had short periods of follow-up and high attrition rates. Only one study reported on oral health; none reported on diet. Three RCTs reported on smoking, of which one comprising nicotine replacement with contingency management showed improved smoking abstinence at 4 weeks compared to control. Five studies with economic evaluations provided some evidence that interventions such as Housing First and enhanced support could be cost-effective in reducing substance use. CONCLUSION: This review found that services such as housing combined with other healthcare services could be effective in improving health behaviours, particularly substance use, among SMD groups. Gaps in evidence also remain on oral health improvement, smoking, and diet. High quality studies on effectiveness with adequate power and retention are needed to address these significant health challenges in SMD populations.

Crise econômica, austeridade e seus efeitos sobre o financiamento e acesso a serviços públicos e privados de saúde bucal / Economic crisis, austerity and its effects on the financing of oral health and access to public and private services

Resumo O presente estudo analisou os efeitos da austeridade e crise econômica sobre o financiamento da saúde bucal, oferta e utilização de serviços públicos e acesso a planos exclusivamente odontológicos no Brasil, no período de 2003 a 2018. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Foram coletados dados da base do Fundo Nacional de Saúde, da Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar, da Sala de Apoio à Gestão Estratégica, do Sistema e-gestor. Observou-se que o repasse federal fundo a fundo apresentou tendência crescente de 2003 a 2010 e estável de 2011 a 2018. A oferta decresceu ao final do período com redução da cobertura da primeira consulta odontológica programática, média da escovação dental supervisionada e número de tratamentos endodônticos. Na contramão da crise financeira pública, as empresas de planos exclusivamente odontológicos expandiram o mercado de 2,6 milhões de usuários em 2000 para 24,3 milhões em 2018, com lucro de mais de R$240 milhões. A austeridade fiscal tem forte influência sobre a utilização de serviços públicos odontológicos no Brasil, que pode beneficiar o mercado privado e ampliar as desigualdades.

Abstract The present study analyzed the effects of austerity and economic crisis on the financing of oral health, provision and use of public services and access to exclusively dental plans in Brazil, from 2003 to 2018. A retrospective, descriptive study was carried out, with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from the National Health Funding database, the National Supplementary Health Agency, the Strategic Management Support Room, and from the e-manager system. The federal fund-to-fund transfer was increasing from 2003 to 2010 and remained stable from 2011 to 2018. The supply decreased at the end of the period, with reduced coverage of the first programmatic dental appointment, average supervised tooth brushing and number of endodontic treatments. Against the background of the public financial crisis, exclusively dental plan companies expanded the market from 2.6 million users in 2000 to 24.3 million in 2018, with a profit of more than R$ 240 million. Fiscal austerity has a strong influence on the use of public dental services in Brazil, which can benefit the private market and widen inequalities.

Impacto das crises financeiras sobre os indicadores de saúde bucal: revisão integrativa da literatura / Impact of financial crises on oral health indicators: an integrative review of the literature

Resumo O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar, por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, os possíveis impactos das crises financeiras sobre os indicadores de saúde bucal em diferentes países, bem como verificar as medidas adotadas de forma a traçar um paralelo com a realidade brasileira. Uma busca de artigos que atendessem a estes critérios foi realizada nas bases PUBMED, EMBASE, Lilacs, SCOPUS e também na literatura cinzenta. Ao final, nove estudos foram incluídos. Os resultados indicam que a população em maior vulnerabilidade, menor renda e menor escolaridade são as mais afetadas, independentemente do indicador avaliado (cárie dentária não tratada, acesso aos serviços de Atenção Odontológica e hábitos de higiene). Quando medidas protetivas com alocação de recursos financeiras foram tomadas, as disparidades diminuíram. Concluiu-se que, frente às crises econômicas, a saúde bucal passa a não ser prioridade enquanto centro nucleador de políticas, o que impacta o acesso ao cuidado dos estratos sociais menos favorecidos.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze, by an integrative review of the literature, the possible impacts of financial crises on oral health indicators in different countries, as well as to verify the measures adopted in order to compare with the Brazilian reality. A search for articles that met these criteria was carried out in PUBMED, EMBASE, Lilacs, SCOPUS and also in the gray literature. At the end, nine studies were included. The results indicate that the population with higher vulnerability, lower income and lower educational level are the most affected, independently of the evaluated indicator (untreated dental caries, access to dental care services and hygiene habits). When protective measures with allocation of financial resources were taken, disparities decreased. It was concluded that, faced with economic crises, oral health is no longer a priority, which impacts access to care for the less favored social strata.

Impacto de la Caries en la Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud Oral de Adolescentes: Revisión Sistemática y Metaanálisis / Impact of Caries on Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

RESUMEN: Las caries constituye un importante problema de salud pública, dada su alta prevalencia y consecuencias en la calidad de vida de los adolescentes. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis es evaluar el impacto de las caries dental en la calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral (CVRSO) en adolescentes. Se efectuó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos de MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, ScieLo y Lilacs. Se incluyeron estudios primarios publicados en inglés, español y portugués, que evalúen CVRSO en adolescentes con caries usando instrumentos validados. Dos investigadores de manera independiente realizaron el proceso de selección y extracción de datos. La herramienta Effective Public Health Practice Project fue usada para evaluar el riesgo de sesgo de los estudios incorporados. Se usaron modelos de efectos aleatorios para estimar el efecto combinado para datos continuos y categóricos. La búsqueda combinada identificó 1.152 artículos, de los cuales 29 estudios (34 artículos) cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Veintiocho estudios tenían un diseño de corte transversal y solo uno era de cohorte. El riesgo de sesgo fue clasificado en la mayoría de los casos como débil (18/29). Los pacientes con caries presentaban significativamente más probabilidades de reportar un compromiso de la CVRSO que los controles (OR=2,50, 95 % IC: 1,47-4,26). Los dominios más afectados fueron el funcional (Diferencia de medias (MD)= 0,74, 95 % IC: 0,27-1,20) y el psicológico (MD=0,73, 95 %IC:0,21-1,26). Esta revisión proporciona evidencia de que las caries tienen un impacto negativo en la CVRSO de los adolescentes.

ABSTRACT: Caries is an important public health problem, given its high prevalence and consequences in the quality of life of adolescents. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of dental caries on the Oral Health related Quality of Life(OHRQoL) in adolescents. A systematic search was carried out in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, ScieLo and Lilacs databases. Primary studies published in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included to evaluate OHRQoL in adolescents with caries using validated instruments. The selection process and data extraction were carried out by two researchers independently. The Effective Public Health Practice Project tool was used for the quality assessment. Random effect models were used to estimate the combined effect for continuous and categorical data. The combined search identified 1,152 articles, of which 29 studies (34 articles) met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight studies had a cross-sectional design and only one was cohort. The risk of bias was classified in most cases as weak (18/29). Patients with caries were significantly more likely to report any impact on OHRQoL than controls (OR = 2.50, 95 % CI: 1.47-4.26). The most affected domains were functional (Mean difference (MD) = 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.27-1.20) and psychological (MD = 0.73, 95 % CI: 0.21-1.26). This review provides evidence that caries has a negative impact on the OHRQoL in adolescents.

Private dental insurance expenditure in Brazil / Gastos privados com planos exclusivamente odontológicos no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To quantify the household expenditure per capita and to estimate the percentage of Brazilian households that have spent with dental insurance. METHODS We analyzed data from 55,970 households that participated in the research Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares in 2008-2009. We have analyzed the annual household expenditure per capita with dental insurance (business and private) according to the Brazilian states and the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the households (sex, age, race, and educational level of the head of the household, family income, and presence of an older adult in the household). RESULTS Only 2.5% of Brazilian households have reported spending on dental insurance. The amount spent per capita amounted to R$5.10 on average, most of which consisted of private dental insurance (R$4.70). Among the characteristics of the household, higher educational level and income were associated with higher spending. São Paulo was the state with the highest household expenditure per capita (R$10.90) and with the highest prevalence of households with expenditures (4.6%), while Amazonas and Tocantins had the lowest values, in which both spent less than R$1.00 and had a prevalence of less than 0.1% of households, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Only a small portion of the Brazilian households has dental insurance expenditure. The market for supplementary dentistry in oral health care covers a restricted portion of the Brazilian population.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Quantificar as despesas domiciliares per capita e estimar o percentual de domicílios brasileiros que gastaram com planos exclusivamente odontológicos. MÉTODOS Foram analisados dados de 55.970 domicílios que participaram da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares em 2008-2009. Os gastos domiciliares anuais per capita com planos exclusivamente odontológicos (empresarial e particular) foram analisados segundo os estados da federação e as características socioeconômicas e demográficas dos domicílios (sexo, idade, cor da pele e escolaridade do chefe do domicílio, renda familiar e presença de idoso no domicílio). RESULTADOS Apenas 2,5% dos domicílios brasileiros relataram gastos com planos exclusivamente odontológicos. O valor per capita despendido somou em média R$5,10, sendo a maior parte composta por planos odontológicos particulares (R$4,70). Entre as caraterísticas do domicílio, maior escolaridade e renda estiveram associadas com maior gasto. São Paulo foi o estado com maior gasto domiciliar per capita (R$10,90) e maior prevalência de domicílios com dispêndios (4,6%), enquanto Amazonas e Tocantins apresentaram os menores valores, ambos com gasto inferior a R$1,00 e com menos de 0,1% de domicílios, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES Apenas uma pequena parcela dos domicílios brasileiros desembolsa com planos exclusivamente odontológicos. O mercado de odontologia suplementar na assistência em saúde bucal abrange uma restrita parcela da população brasileira.

Gastos privados com saúde bucal no Brasil: análise dos dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares, 2008-2009 / Private spending on oral health in Brazil: analysis of data from the Family Budgets Survey, 2008-2009 / Gastos privados con la salud bucal en Brasil: análisis de datos de la Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares, 2008-2009

Resumo: O objetivo foi analisar os gastos privados com assistência odontológica e produtos de higiene bucal dos brasileiros. Foram analisados dados de 55.970 domicílios pesquisados na Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2008-2009. Os gastos foram descritos segundo macrorregiões, estados e capitais do Brasil e de acordo com características socioeconômicas e demográficas dos domicílios (sexo, idade, cor da pele e escolaridade do chefe, renda domiciliar per capita e presença de idoso no domicílio). Os brasileiros gastaram em média no ano R$ 42,19 com serviços de assistência odontológica e R$ 10,27 com produtos de higiene bucal. Desigualdades sociais na distribuição desses gastos segundo as características dos moradores dos domicílios e segundo as diferentes macrorregiões, estados e capitais do país foram encontradas. O presente estudo evidenciou com detalhes quanto e com o que gastam os brasileiros com assistência odontológica e com produtos de higiene bucal. O monitoramento e avaliação desses gastos são condições fundamentais para avaliação e orientação de políticas públicas em saúde bucal.

Abstract: The aim was to analyze Brazilians' private spending on dental care and oral hygiene products. Data were analyzed from 55,970 households in the Family Budgets Survey, 2008-2009. Expenditures were analyzed by major geographic region, state, state capital, and household socioeconomic and demographic characteristics (sex, age, head-of-household's skin color and schooling, per capita household income, and presence of elderly in the household). Brazilians spent an average of BRL 42.19 per year on dental care and BRL 10.27 on oral hygiene products. The study detected social inequalities in the distribution of these expenditures according to household residents' characteristics and the different geographic regions, states, and state capitals. The current study evidenced quantitative and specific details on Brazilians' spending on dental care and oral hygiene products. Monitoring and assessment of these expenditures are fundamental for evaluating and orienting public policies in oral health.

Resumen: El objetivo fue analizar los gastos privados con asistencia odontológica y productos de higiene bucal de los brasileños. Se analizaron datos de 55.970 domicilios seleccionados en la Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares de 2008-2009. Los gastos fueron descritos según macrorregiones, estados y capitales do Brasil, y de acuerdo con características socioeconómicas y demográficas de los domicilios (sexo, edad, color de piel y escolaridad del cabeza de familia, renta domiciliaria per cápita y presencia del anciano en el domicilio). Los brasileños gastaron de media durante el año R$ 42,19 en servicios de asistencia odontológica y R$ 10,27 con productos de higiene bucal. Se hallaron desigualdades sociales en la distribución de esos gastos, según las características de los residentes de los domicilios, y conforme las diferentes macrorregiones, estados y capitales del país. El presente estudio evidenció con detalle cuánto y en qué gastan los brasileños respecto a la asistencia odontológica y productos de higiene bucal. El monitoreo y evaluación de estos gastos son condiciones fundamentales para la evaluación y orientación de políticas públicas en salud bucal.

O potencial impacto financeiro dos problemas bucais na família de pré-escolares / The potential financial impact of oral health problems in the families of preschool children

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a percepção dos pais/responsáveis quanto ao impacto financeiro dos problemas de saúde bucal na família de pré-escolares. Um estudo transversal, foi realizado com 834 crianças pré-escolares, em Campina Grande, Brasil. Pais/responsáveis responderam ao Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). O item “impacto financeiro” foi a variável dependente. Questionários de variáveis sociodemográficas, histórico de dor de dente e percepções de saúde foram administrados. Os exames clínicos foram realizados por três dentistas previamente calibrados (Kappa: 0.85-0.90). Estatística descritiva foi realizada, seguida de regressão logística para amostras complexas (α = 5%). A frequência de impacto financeiro devido a problemas de saúde bucal em pré-escolares foi de 7,7%. As seguintes variáveis foram significativamente associadas com o impacto financeiro: percepção ruim dos pais sobre saúde bucal, a interação entre histórico de dor de dente e ausência de cárie dentária e interação entre histórico de dor de dente e presença de cárie dentária. Pode-se concluir que na maioria das vezes os pais/responsáveis relatam impacto financeiro em decorrência da procura por tratamento tardio, principalmente pela presença de dor e complicações no quadro clínico.

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the perception of parents/caregivers regarding the financial impact of oral health problems on the families of preschool children. A preschool-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 834 preschool children in Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/caregivers answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale. “Financial impact” was the dependent variable. Questionnaires addressing socio-demographic variables, history of toothache and health perceptions were administered. Clinical exams were performed by three dentists previously calibrated (Kappa: 0.85-0.90). Descriptive statistics were performed, followed by logistic regression for complex samples (α = 5%). The frequency of financial impact due to oral health problems in preschool children was 7.7%. The following variables were significantly associated with financial impact: parental perception of child’s oral health as poor, the interaction between history of toothache and absence of dental caries and the interaction between history of toothache and presence of dental caries. It is concluded that often parents/caregivers reported experiencing a financial impact due to seeking treatment late, mainly by the presence of toothache and complications of the clinical condition.

Investments and costs of oral health care for family health care / Investimentos e custos da atenção à saúde bucal na saúde da família

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the investments to implement and operational costs of a type I Oral Health Care Team in the Family Health Care Strategy. METHODS This is an economic assessment study, for analyzing the investments and operational costs of an oral health care team in the city of Salvador, BA, Northeastern Brazil. The amount worth of investments for its implementation was obtained by summing up the investments in civil projects and shared facilities, in equipments, furniture, and instruments. Regarding the operational costs, the 2009-2012 time series was analyzed and the month of December 2012 was adopted for assessing the monetary values in effect. The costs were classified as direct variable costs (consumables) and direct fixed costs (salaries, maintenance, equipment depreciation, instruments, furniture, and facilities), besides the indirect fixed costs (cleaning, security, energy, and water). The Ministry of Health's share in funding was also calculated, and the factors that influence cost behavior were described. RESULTS The investment to implement a type I Oral Health Care Team was R$29,864.00 (US$15,236.76). The operational costs of a type I Oral Health Care Team were around R$95,434.00 (US$48,690.82) a year. The Ministry of Health's financial incentives for investments accounted for 41.8% of the implementation investments, whereas the municipality contributed with a 59.2% share of the total. Regarding operational costs, the Ministry of Health contributed with 33.1% of the total, whereas the municipality, with 66.9%. Concerning the operational costs, the element of heaviest weight was salaries, which accounted for 84.7%. CONCLUSIONS Problems with the regularity in the supply of inputs and maintenance of equipment greatly influence the composition of costs, besides reducing the supply of services to the target population, which results in the service probably being inefficient. States are suggested to partake in funding, especially to cover the team's operational cost.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar os investimentos para implantação e os custos operacionais de uma Equipe de Saúde Bucal modalidade tipo I na Estratégia Saúde da Família. MÉTODOS Estudo de avaliação econômica, tipo análise de investimentos e custos operacionais de uma equipe de saúde bucal no município de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. O cálculo dos investimentos para implantação foi obtido pela soma dos investimentos em obras civis e instalações em rateio, equipamentos, móveis e instrumentais. Para os custos operacionais, foi analisada a série histórica de 2009 a 2012 e adotou-se o mês de dezembro de 2012 para levantamento dos valores monetários vigentes. Os custos foram classificados em custos diretos variáveis (materiais de consumo) e custos fixos diretos (salários, manutenção, depreciação do capital fixo dos equipamentos, instrumentais, móveis e edificações), além dos custos fixos indiretos (higienização, segurança, energia e água). Foi também calculada a participação do Ministério da Saúde no financiamento e descritos os fatores que influenciam o comportamento dos custos. RESULTADOS O investimento para implantação de uma Equipe de Saúde Bucal modalidade tipo I foi de R$29.864,00. Os custos operacionais de uma Equipe de Saúde Bucal modalidade tipo I situaram-se em torno de R$95.434,00 por ano. Os incentivos financeiros do Ministério da Saúde para investimentos cobriram 41,8% dos investimentos com implantação, enquanto o município participou com 59,2% do total. Para os custos operacionais, a participação do Ministério da Saúde foi de 33,1%, enquanto o município participou com 66,9%. Dentro dos custos operacionais, o elemento de maior peso foram os salários, representando 84,7%. CONCLUSÕES Problemas com a regularidade no abastecimento dos insumos e manutenção de equipamentos influenciam sobremaneira na composição dos custos, além de reduzir a oferta de serviços à população-alvo, resultando em provável ineficiência do serviço. Sugere-se o cofinanciamento estadual, especialmente para cobrir o custo operacional da equipe.

Intervención educativa en salud bucal en niños y maestros / Oral health educational intervention for children and teachers

Fundamento: Las pocas posibilidades de acceso a una adecuada atención estomatológica en determinadas comunidades, unidas a la ausencia de programas preventivos, se asocian al deterioro del estado de salud de la población venezolana, en particular de la infantil. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de un programa educativo sobre salud bucal para desarrollar cambios de actitud y hábitos bucales saludables. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de intervención en 80 niños y diez maestros, de una escuela de Río Chico, Estado Miranda, Venezuela, en el periodo enero-septiembre de 2010. Se realizó un diagnóstico enfocado al índice de higiene bucal de los niños, y a las necesidades de aprendizaje de estos y sus maestros. Se elaboró un programa que incluyó como medios de enseñanza juegos didácticos y un software educativo. La información se obtuvo por medio de encuestas y grupos focales.Resultados: se obtuvieron diferencias significativas entre el estado inicial y final de los conocimientos y también con respecto al índice de higiene bucal. Quedó evidenciada la aprobación del programa por parte de los niños, quienes consideraron su importancia con respecto a la salud bucal.Conclusión: la intervención, mediante el programa educativo, logró cambios satisfactorios en los modos de actuar y pensar de los niños, en términos de salud bucal, resultados que avalan su validez(AU)

Background: inadequate access to an appropriate dental care in certain communities, together with the absence of prevention programs, is associated with health status deterioration in the population of Venezuela, especially in children. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of an oral health educational program for developing attitude changes and healthy oral habits.Methods: an intervention study was conducted in 80 children and 10 teachers from a school in Rio Chico, Miranda State, Venezuela, during January-September, 2010. A diagnosis focused on the oral hygiene index of the children, their learning needs, as well as those of their teachers was performed. A program including teaching materials such as educational games and software was developed. Information was obtained through surveys and focus groups. Results: significant differences between the initial and the final level of knowledge were observed, as well as in the oral hygiene index. Childrens approval of the program was demonstrated, considering its relevance regarding oral health. Conclusions: by means of the educational program, the intervention led to satisfactory changes in childrens behaviour and way of thinking, in terms of oral health; results that confirm its validity(AU)