Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the efficiency of an oral school program, applied during 3 years. DMFT index, the component D and CTNI of a sample of 590 children (Group I, aged 12.0 +/- 1.1 years) which received regular oral treatment during 3 consecutive years were compared with the same indicators of 586 children (Group II, aged 12.6 +/- 1.0 years) without treatment. The cost-benefit ratio of the current required treatments in both groups was calculated. Results revealed: (a) in Group I the component D of DMFT was 0.9 +/- SEM = 0.3, and in Group II, 5.5 +/- SEM = 1.5; and (b) the cost-benefit ratio of the required treatment for Group I ranged from 1.5 to 7.5 times lower than that required for cumulative pathology resolution in groups lacking preventive coverage. It seems advisable to introduce management strategies to change spontaneous demand into programmed care with a strong preventive component. The accomplishment of this regular school program appears to contribute to strengthen equity and could reduce the differences in oral health care among schoolchildren at different social risk.