Cost‐effectiveness analysis of fissure sealants for caries prevention in children

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of resin‐based and glass ionomer‐based fissure sealants compared with no intervention for children.MethodsWe developed a Markov‐based decision analytic model that simulated Turkish children from aged 6 to 15 years. Two types of costs were explored from the payers' perspective and the health care system perspectives. A cost‐effectiveness analysis of resin‐based and glass ionomer‐based fissure sealants was conducted to quantify their effectiveness using the number of caries prevented and the quality‐adjusted tooth years (QATYs). Costs and effectiveness measures were discounted at 3% per year.ResultsThe most cost‐effective intervention was resin‐based fissure sealant, with an additional $5.34 per caries prevented and $1.86 per QATY gained compared with no treatment.ConclusionFissure sealants particularly resin‐based sealants are cost‐effective for children in Turkey due to their low cost and highly preventive characteristics.