Methods and preliminary findings of a cost-effectiveness study of glass-ionomer-based and composite resin sealant materials after 2 yr.

The cost-effectiveness of glass-carbomer, conventional high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (HVGIC) [without or with heat (light-emitting diode (LED) thermocuring) application], and composite resin sealants were compared after 2 yr in function. Estimated net costs per sealant were obtained from data on personnel time (measured with activity sampling), transportation, materials, instruments and equipment, and restoration costs for replacing failed sealants from a community trial involving 7- to 9-yr-old Chinese children. Cost data were standardized to reflect the placement of 1,000 sealants per group. Outcomes were the differences in the number of dentine caries lesions that developed between groups. The average sealant application time ranged from 5.40 min (for composite resin) to 8.09 min (for LED thermocured HVGIC), and the average cost per sealant for 1,000 performed per group (simulation sample) ranged from $US3.73 (for composite resin) to $US7.50 (for glass-carbomer). The incremental cost-effectiveness of LED thermocured HVGIC to prevent one additional caries lesion per 1,000 sealants performed was $US1,106 compared with composite resin. Sensitivity analyses showed that differences in the cost of materials across groups had minimal impact on the overall cost. Cost and effectiveness data enhance policymakers' ability to address issues of availability, access, and compliance associated with poor oral-health outcomes, particularly when large numbers of children are excluded from care, in economies where oral health services are still developing.

Dental establishment business activity in California counties at the start of the millennium.

The Bureau of the Census reports for 2002 were used to develop business data for "average" dental establishments in each of the counties in California. On average, between 1997 and 2002, when compared to national information, the number of California statewide dental establishments increased at a greater rate, had a smaller resident population per establishment, reported lower gross receipts, had fewer employees, and paid lower salaries to employees.

The growth of new dental practices established in the North West of England and North Wales between 1985 and 1990.

This study examined the growth of 52 new dental practices established between 1985 and 1990 in the North West of England and North Wales. Growth was measured from the number of estimates (equivalent to a course of treatment) submitted by the practice to the Dental Practice Board since the practice first opened. Values ranged from less than 1000 estimates up to 12,000 estimates during the first 24 months; the modal value was between 2000 and 2999. The number of estimates was not associated with the resident population to dentist ratio for the surrounding locality.

3,940 New York State dental establishments with no employees.

Despite the increasing size of most dental establishments, 3,940 New York State dental establishments had no employees in 1999. The distribution, gross receipts data and suggested establishment arrangements are reviewed.

Dental establishment business activity in New York State counties.

Bureau of the Census reports for 1997 were used to develop business data for "average" dental establishments in each of the countries in New York State. On average, during the mid-1990s, when compared to nationwide information, the number of New York State dental establishments increased at a slower rate, had a smaller resident population per establishment, reported lower gross receipts, had fewer employees and paid lower salaries to employees.

Increase net worth: repair business and rental properties; improve your home.

When it comes to repairs and improvements, it pays to know the rules. On rental and business property, the repair produces more than double the value of an improvement. On your personal home, the improvement is infinitely better than the repair (the repair is useless). Thus, before you make the repair or improvement, read this article. Then, plan your fix-up for maximum tax benefit.