Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is highly effective in arresting the progression of active caries as well as preventing new lesions. It has been commonly used as a treatment for children, and many parents appreciate its ease of use. Evidence shows that the application of SDF in children arrested 61% of new carious lesions. However, SDF is not without downsides: it leaves a black stain on these lesions and may burn or stain the soft tissue surrounding them.
Given all this, how do dental providers and patients view SDF? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health offers details on their attitudes. Key findings include:
- 90% of nearly 400 surveyed providers agreed that SDF is an effective treatment.
- 78% of the surveyed adults think that the application of SDF on posterior teeth is acceptable versus only 20% who think it is acceptable on anterior teeth.
- Females were more likely than males to accept SDF as the treatment of choice for both posterior and anterior teeth.
You may also be interested in:
- A suite of resources — including visual reports and research reports — developed from findings from a nationally representative survey of consumer and patient attitudes, experiences, and behaviors on oral health.
- Consumer Perspectives on Oral Health Access, Outcomes, and Quality of Care, a recent webinar featuring a panel of experts who discuss the disparities in dental insurance coverage and access to care, and explore findings on the effects of the social determinants of health.
- A Three Domain Framework to Innovating Oral Health Care, a white paper that outlines a new model in dentistry that will be more cost-effective, efficient, and equitable.
