Predictive validity and cost-effectiveness analysis of two caries risk assessment tools for preschool children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study compared the predictive validity and cost-effectiveness of Cariostat and a reduced Cariogram model for caries risk screening in preschoolers, to guide community-based prevention programs.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted among 156 children (aged 3-4 years) recruited from two randomly selected kindergartens. Baseline assessments included oral examinations, caregiver questionnaires, and caries-risk stratification using Cariostat and the reduced Cariogram. After 12 months, follow-up examinations recorded caries incidence. Predictive performance was analyzed using sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Cost-effectiveness ratios (CER) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculate

SUBMITTER: Menglin C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12363122 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature