Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of school-based dental screening versus no screening on improving oral health in children

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by JOHN R. RADFORD. ABSTRACT No effect of school-based

dental screening programmes on caries or dental attendance. MAIN Joury E, Bernabe E _et al_. _J Dent_ 2017;58: 1–10 Hauled out of class, lined-up along draughty corridors, then only to be

scolded because Mum had forgotten to sign the consent form; but many worthy organisations such as the World Health Organisation have recommended the screening of caries in children. In the

UK, school dental inspection had been a statutory requirement for more than one hundred years. But then over 10 years ago, the UK National Screening Committee stated that there was no

evidence for the effectiveness of school-based dental screening. The decision to continue with these or otherwise was one for local authorities. The aim of this systematic review was to

assess the effectiveness of school-based dental screening compared with no screening in those aged 3–18 years old. This rigorous systematic review followed the PRISMA guideline and was

registered with PROSPERO. Three sets of independent reviewers interrogated the usual data bases together with other sources. Appendix A in the paper gives the search keywords and MeSH terms

and filters for each of the databases. It is interesting to note how each of the databases, although starting with the same MeSH ('mass screening') built their searches. Five

cluster RCTs were identified. A cluster RCT is when groups of subjects, as opposed to individual subjects, are randomised. A meta-analysis was carried out on 28,442 children, included in the

cluster RCTs. Cochrane's criteria of risk of bias assessment were used which revealed an 'unclear or high risk of bias'. Only one RCT measured the prevalence and mean number

of teeth with caries but all five reported on dental attendance. When comparing those who attended dental screening programmes and those who did not: 1) there was no difference in

attendance, 2) there was no difference in the prevalence of caries in both deciduous and permanent teeth, and 3) there were no difference in the 'prevalence of sepsis, presence of gross

plaque or calculus, and trauma to the permanent incisor teeth'. But then qualitative studies have shown that parents, teachers and school nurses value dental screening. Nevertheless,

dental screening may more effectively meet its purpose if subsequent treatment appointments were arranged after school and dental practices were located close to the school. The findings of

this study are of relevance to high income countries but it should be stressed not necessarily generalisable to middle-low and low-income countries. In these countries, school-based dental

screening may be a key oral health priority as such programmes may 'tackle the growing burden of dental caries in their child population.' RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and

permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of school-based dental screening versus no screening

on improving oral health in children. _Br Dent J_ 222, 675 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.403 Download citation * Published: 12 May 2017 * Issue Date: 12 May 2017 * DOI:

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