Fluoride varnish application as an oral health intervention in the well-baby clinic for children aged 1-5 years at Qatar University Health Center: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children worldwide, with more than 530 million children affected. In Qatar, ECC prevalence among preschool children aged 4-5 years is reported at 89%. ECC can lead to significant physical, psychosocial, and economic consequences but is largely preventable through early preventive measures such as professionally applied fluoride varnish (FV). In Qatar, lack of water fluoridation and challenges attending multiple healthcare appointments highlight the need to integrate oral health prevention into existing child health services. This study assessed the feasibility of providing FV for children aged 1-5 years at moderate to high risk of ECC during routine well-baby visits in Qatar.

METHODS

This was a 3-month feasibility study evaluating the implementation of fluoride varnish application among 50 children at moderate or high caries risk. Feasibility was assessed across acceptability, implementation, practicality, and direct implementation costs using questionnaires, clinic logs, interviews, and cost analysis. The reporting followed the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR).

RESULTS

The mean time required for completion of the structured caries risk assessment and fluoride varnish application was 1.09 ± 0.33 and 1.37 ± 0.62 min, respectively. The direct cost was 15 QAR per application. Key barriers to implementation included limited instruments, insufficient staff, lack of space, and difficulty reaching children who rarely attend the health center.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating fluoride varnish treatment into standard immunization appointments for children under five in primary care in Qatar is achievable. Nonetheless, enhancements in appointment scheduling, staff training, provider notifications, and staffing are essential for successful deployment.