Trial Outcomes & Findings for Comparative Effectiveness of School-based Caries Prevention (NCT NCT03442309)

NCT ID: NCT03442309

Last Updated: 2025-02-26

Results Overview

For any participants with any untreated dental caries on teeth at baseline treated with SDF/FV or Glass ionomer/FV to arrest (control) the infection, what is the proportion of subjects that stayed arrested. Differences were compared to the pre-established non-inferiority margin (10%). NOTE: this analysis conducted after COVID-19 suspensions, thus patient enrollment for this outcome is a subset of the total enrollment reported in Participant Flow. It reflects the total enrollment prior to COVID-19 suspensions (N=1398).

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

7418 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Two years

Results posted on

2025-02-26

Participant Flow

Unit of analysis: Schools

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Experimental Condition
One drop (0.05 ml) of silver diamine fluoride (Advantage ArrestTM) solution at 38% concentration (2.24 F-ion mg/dose) will be dispensed per child. Posterior tooth surfaces to be treated will be dried, after which the SDF will be applied with a micro-brush to all asymptomatic carious lesions and to all pits and fissures on bicuspids and molar teeth for thirty seconds. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Silver Diamine Fluoride: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV)
Active Control
Pits and fissures on all bicuspids and molar teeth will be sealed with glass ionomer sealants (GC Fuji IX). Glass ionomer sealants (atraumatic restorations) will also be placed on all frank asymptomatic carious lesions. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV) Glass Ionomer: Glass Ionomer Sealants (GC Fuji IX) and atraumatic restorations
Overall Study
STARTED
3739 22
3679 24
Overall Study
COMPLETED
2063 20
2037 22
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
1676 2
1642 2

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Experimental Condition
One drop (0.05 ml) of silver diamine fluoride (Advantage ArrestTM) solution at 38% concentration (2.24 F-ion mg/dose) will be dispensed per child. Posterior tooth surfaces to be treated will be dried, after which the SDF will be applied with a micro-brush to all asymptomatic carious lesions and to all pits and fissures on bicuspids and molar teeth for thirty seconds. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Silver Diamine Fluoride: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV)
Active Control
Pits and fissures on all bicuspids and molar teeth will be sealed with glass ionomer sealants (GC Fuji IX). Glass ionomer sealants (atraumatic restorations) will also be placed on all frank asymptomatic carious lesions. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV) Glass Ionomer: Glass Ionomer Sealants (GC Fuji IX) and atraumatic restorations
Overall Study
Lost to Follow-up
1676
1642

Baseline Characteristics

Comparative Effectiveness of School-based Caries Prevention

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Experimental Condition
n=3739 Participants
One drop (0.05 ml) of silver diamine fluoride (Advantage ArrestTM) solution at 38% concentration (2.24 F-ion mg/dose) will be dispensed per child. Posterior tooth surfaces to be treated will be dried, after which the SDF will be applied with a micro-brush to all asymptomatic carious lesions and to all pits and fissures on bicuspids and molar teeth for thirty seconds. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Silver Diamine Fluoride: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV)
Active Control
n=3679 Participants
Pits and fissures on all bicuspids and molar teeth will be sealed with glass ionomer sealants (GC Fuji IX). Glass ionomer sealants (atraumatic restorations) will also be placed on all frank asymptomatic carious lesions. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV) Glass Ionomer: Glass Ionomer Sealants (GC Fuji IX) and atraumatic restorations
Total
n=7418 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
7.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9 • n=5 Participants
7.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9 • n=7 Participants
7.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9 • n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
1954 Participants
n=5 Participants
2052 Participants
n=7 Participants
4006 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
1785 Participants
n=5 Participants
1627 Participants
n=7 Participants
3412 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
88 Participants
n=5 Participants
37 Participants
n=7 Participants
125 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Black
650 Participants
n=5 Participants
596 Participants
n=7 Participants
1246 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Hispanic
1766 Participants
n=5 Participants
1882 Participants
n=7 Participants
3648 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
86 Participants
n=5 Participants
67 Participants
n=7 Participants
153 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Multiple
67 Participants
n=5 Participants
47 Participants
n=7 Participants
114 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other
56 Participants
n=5 Participants
34 Participants
n=7 Participants
90 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Unreported
1026 Participants
n=5 Participants
1016 Participants
n=7 Participants
2042 Participants
n=5 Participants
Number of participants with untreated tooth decay
1016 Participants
n=5 Participants
964 Participants
n=7 Participants
1980 Participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Two years

Population: The study was suspended after initial enrollment and treatment in response to COVID-19. The number of subjects for this outcome subsequently reflects only those enrolled before COVID-19 suspensions and successfully completed a follow-up procedure two years later.

For any participants with any untreated dental caries on teeth at baseline treated with SDF/FV or Glass ionomer/FV to arrest (control) the infection, what is the proportion of subjects that stayed arrested. Differences were compared to the pre-established non-inferiority margin (10%). NOTE: this analysis conducted after COVID-19 suspensions, thus patient enrollment for this outcome is a subset of the total enrollment reported in Participant Flow. It reflects the total enrollment prior to COVID-19 suspensions (N=1398).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Experimental Condition
n=193 Participants
One drop (0.05 ml) of silver diamine fluoride (Advantage ArrestTM) solution at 38% concentration (2.24 F-ion mg/dose) will be dispensed per child. Posterior tooth surfaces to be treated will be dried, after which the SDF will be applied with a micro-brush to all asymptomatic carious lesions and to all pits and fissures on bicuspids and molar teeth for thirty seconds. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Silver Diamine Fluoride: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV)
Active Control
n=220 Participants
Pits and fissures on all bicuspids and molar teeth will be sealed with glass ionomer sealants (GC Fuji IX). Glass ionomer sealants (atraumatic restorations) will also be placed on all frank asymptomatic carious lesions. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV) Glass Ionomer: Glass Ionomer Sealants (GC Fuji IX) and atraumatic restorations
Non-treated Schools
Schools that were eligible for the study but not enrolled or randomized
Proportion of Subjects With All Caries Arrested
108 Participants
101 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Participants were evaluated biannually over a total of four years or until lost to follow-up, whichever occurred first.

We assessed the prevalence of dental caries through up to four years of follow-up using generalized mixed effects models, with predictors included for time and treatment. Outcomes were assessed comparing the odds of dental caries in participants receiving the active control to those receiving the experimental condition and compared to the pre-established non-inferiority margin.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Experimental Condition
n=2063 Participants
One drop (0.05 ml) of silver diamine fluoride (Advantage ArrestTM) solution at 38% concentration (2.24 F-ion mg/dose) will be dispensed per child. Posterior tooth surfaces to be treated will be dried, after which the SDF will be applied with a micro-brush to all asymptomatic carious lesions and to all pits and fissures on bicuspids and molar teeth for thirty seconds. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Silver Diamine Fluoride: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV)
Active Control
n=2037 Participants
Pits and fissures on all bicuspids and molar teeth will be sealed with glass ionomer sealants (GC Fuji IX). Glass ionomer sealants (atraumatic restorations) will also be placed on all frank asymptomatic carious lesions. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV) Glass Ionomer: Glass Ionomer Sealants (GC Fuji IX) and atraumatic restorations
Non-treated Schools
Schools that were eligible for the study but not enrolled or randomized
Prevalence of Dental Caries as Measured by a Clinical Oral Examination
10.2 # of caries per 1000 tooth years
9.8 # of caries per 1000 tooth years

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Six months after initial treatment.

Population: The study was suspended after initial enrollment and treatment in response to COVID-19. The number of subjects for this outcome subsequently reflects only those enrolled until initial suspension and randomly selected to complete the COHIP-SF scale.

A subset of participants in each treatment group were randomly selected to complete an oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) instrument (name: Child Oral Health Impact Profile - Short Form, COHIP-SF19) to compare quality of life pre/post treatment and between treatment groups. Here the differences in COHIP-SF scales are reported six months after initial treatment. After this, COVID-19 suspensions removed any further follow-up for this outcome, which is also why the same sizes are not the same for the full trial. In this analysis, higher scores indicate worse OHRQoL. The COHIP-SF scale consists of 19 items. Each item on the scale was scored between 0-3, for a total scale range of 0 to 57.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Experimental Condition
n=111 Participants
One drop (0.05 ml) of silver diamine fluoride (Advantage ArrestTM) solution at 38% concentration (2.24 F-ion mg/dose) will be dispensed per child. Posterior tooth surfaces to be treated will be dried, after which the SDF will be applied with a micro-brush to all asymptomatic carious lesions and to all pits and fissures on bicuspids and molar teeth for thirty seconds. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Silver Diamine Fluoride: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV)
Active Control
n=49 Participants
Pits and fissures on all bicuspids and molar teeth will be sealed with glass ionomer sealants (GC Fuji IX). Glass ionomer sealants (atraumatic restorations) will also be placed on all frank asymptomatic carious lesions. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV) Glass Ionomer: Glass Ionomer Sealants (GC Fuji IX) and atraumatic restorations
Non-treated Schools
Schools that were eligible for the study but not enrolled or randomized
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life
14.62 Total COHIP-SF score
Standard Deviation 11.90
16.47 Total COHIP-SF score
Standard Deviation 11.09

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 years after initial baseline observation

Population: For this outcome schools were assessed for attendance, individual level data was not collected.

Annual school attendance (chronic absenteeism) at the school level as recorded by the New York City Department of Education. In evaluating this outcome, we assessed school-level data on the proportion of students who were absent. Additionally, we obtained data from an additional 15 schools which met inclusion criteria but did not participate in the trial as a non-randomized comparison group. This allowed us to compare schools in the experimental group to those in the active control, as well as to a non-randomized untreated group of schools.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Experimental Condition
n=18 Schools
One drop (0.05 ml) of silver diamine fluoride (Advantage ArrestTM) solution at 38% concentration (2.24 F-ion mg/dose) will be dispensed per child. Posterior tooth surfaces to be treated will be dried, after which the SDF will be applied with a micro-brush to all asymptomatic carious lesions and to all pits and fissures on bicuspids and molar teeth for thirty seconds. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Silver Diamine Fluoride: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV)
Active Control
n=19 Schools
Pits and fissures on all bicuspids and molar teeth will be sealed with glass ionomer sealants (GC Fuji IX). Glass ionomer sealants (atraumatic restorations) will also be placed on all frank asymptomatic carious lesions. Fluoride varnishes (5% NaF) will then be applied to all teeth. Dosage frequency will be twice-yearly. Fluoride Varnishes: Fluoride varnish (FV) Glass Ionomer: Glass Ionomer Sealants (GC Fuji IX) and atraumatic restorations
Non-treated Schools
n=15 Schools
Schools that were eligible for the study but not enrolled or randomized
School Attendance
-.037 Beta coefficient comparing exp to ctl
Interval -0.062 to -0.011
-.037 Beta coefficient comparing exp to ctl
Interval -0.062 to -0.011
0 Beta coefficient comparing exp to ctl
Interval 0.0 to 0.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 years after initial baseline observation

Population: Data were not available to be collected due to COVID-19

Children participating in schools assigned to each arm of the trial that received care were to have their academic performance evaluated. This outcome was to use academic performance data collected by the school, not investigators.

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

Adverse Events

Experimental Condition

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Active Control

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Richard Niederman

New York University

Phone: 917-280-5920

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place