How are economic evaluations carried out for primary caries prevention strategies?

Abstract

Aims To summarise evidence on economic evaluations (EEs) of primary caries prevention in preschool children aged 2-5 years and to evaluate the reporting quality of full EE studies using a quality assessment tool. Methods Systematic literature search from several databases. The reporting quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Results In total, 808 studies were identified and 39 were included in review. Complex multi-component interventions were the most common followed by water fluoridation. Cost analysis and cost-effectiveness were the most common EEs. Parameters that were not reported well were: characterising uncertainty, study perspective, sensitivity analysis and discount rate. Conclusions The number of EEs has increased but there is inconsistency in how EEs are conducted and reported.