Eonomic evaluation of the fluoridation program of drinking water in Chile

Abstract

Objective: This paper models the cost-effectiveness, from a social viewpoint, of a dental caries prevention program for children 12 years of age using water fluoridation, compared with nonintervention (or status quo).

Method: In cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA,) the costs of alternative programs are measured as economic costs and the results are valued in units of effectiveness. In this case, teeth with history of dental caries were measured using the DMFT index. The control group was a group that was not exposed to water fluoridation. Data on effectiveness were obtained from the literature.

Costs of dental treatments were calculated using current established prices. Family expenses for the treatment were based on lost income, as well as transport costs to and from the clinic. The costs and benefits were calculated using a discount rate of 3%.

Results: To find the cost of the intervention, the non-intervention strategy was compared to the additional benefits gained as a result of the intervention. The cost-effectiveness ratio indicates that on average, this program saved $ 8,930.49 Chilean pesos at the 2009 value (RCH$) per cavity-affected tooth. This was achieved with an annual cost of RCH$ 841.33 per child.

Conclusions: Taking into account our assumptions, for situations similar to those in Chile, a water fluoridation program would be an efficient use of community resources Key words: Economic evaluation, Cost-effectiveness analysis, dental caries, fluoridation, Chile.