The economic value of Quebec's water fluoridation program
Date
2013
Authors
Tchouaket, Eric
Brousselle, Astrid
Fansi, Alvine
Dionne, Pierre Alexandre
Bertrand, Elise
Fortin, Christian
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Public Health
Abstract
Aim
Dental caries is a major public health problem worldwide, with very significant deleterious consequences for many people. The available data are alarming in Canada and the province of Quebec. The water fluoridation program has been shown to be the most effective means of preventing caries and reducing oral health inequalities. This article analyzes the cost-effectiveness of Quebec’s water fluoridation program to provide decision-makers with economic information for assessing its usefulness.
Methods
An approach adapted from economic evaluation was used to: (1) build a logic model for Quebec’s water fluoridation program; (2) determine its implementation cost; and (3) analyze its cost-effectiveness. Documentary analysis was used to build the logic model. Program cost was calculated using data from 13 municipalities that adopted fluoridation between 2002 and 2010 and two that received only infrastructure grants. Other sources were used to collect demographic data and calculate costs for caries treatment including costs associated with travel and lost productivity.
Results
The analyses showed the water fluoridation program was cost-effective even with a conservatively estimated 1 % reduction in dental caries. The benefit-cost ratio indicated that, at an expected average effectiveness of 30 % caries reduction, one dollar invested in the program saved $71.05–$82.83 per Quebec’s inhabitant in dental costs (in 2010) or more than $560 million for the State and taxpayers.
Conclusion
The results showed that the drinking-water fluoridation program produced substantial savings. Public health decision-makers could develop economic arguments to support wide deployment of this population-based intervention whose efficacy and safety have been demonstrated and acknowledged.
Description
Keywords
Water fluoridation, Dental caries, Logic model, Costs, Benefits, Cost-effectiveness
Citation
Tchouaket, E., Brousselle, A., Fansi, A., Dionne, P. A., Bertrand, E., & Fortin, C. (2013). The economic value of Quebec’s water fluoridation program. Journal of Public Health, 21, 523-533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-013-0578-3.