Economic evaluation of dental prevention programmes in primary schools: a scoping review

Introduction: Evidence for Economic Evaluations (EEs) is essential for informed decision-making in healthcare. This scoping review of economic studies based on school dental screening and prevention programmes summaries the key facts in a narrative format and analyses knowledge gaps.

Aim: This scoping review mapped the existing literature on EEs in school dental screening and prevention, and assessed the completeness of reporting using the CHEERS 2022 checklist.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases for EEs with no date restriction. EEs of school-based dental prevention programmes were included and grouped into three categories based on the intervention focus: prevention only, combined prevention and treatment interventions, and screening interventions. Quality assessment was conducted using CHEERS checklist.

Results: A total of 11 EEs met inclusion criteria. While most studies reported short-term outcomes, fewer than half adequately estimated future cost saving.
Discussion: The evidence base for economic evaluations in school-based caries prevention is fragmented, with many studies focusing on isolated components rather than broader, integrated models of care.

Conclusion: Caries prevention is a long-term investment, and evaluations should account for future reduced treatment needs. More comprehensive and context-sensitive evaluations are needed to guide resource allocation and improve long-term oral health outcomes for children.