Public Health · single question
Which treatment has the best cost-efficacy ratio in pediatric dental public health?
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Correct answer: A. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF)
- A. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has the highest cost-efficacy ratio in dental public health. It is extremely inexpensive, requires no anesthesia, no drilling, can be applied quickly by trained personnel, and has demonstrated ~80% caries arrest efficacy. It is the most cost-effective intervention for managing caries at a population level, especially in underserved communities.
- B. Glass ionomer restorations (especially ART - Atraumatic Restorative Technique) are cost-effective but not as low-cost as SDF for arresting caries.
- C. Sealants have excellent cost-effectiveness and are well-established for preventing fissure caries, but require professional application and periodic replacement.
- D. Amalgam requires drilling, anesthesia, and more complex techniques — lower cost-efficacy.