Background

Oral diseases remain among the most prevalent chronic health conditions worldwide, imposing substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and societies. Preventive dental programs, including community fluoridation, school-based sealant initiatives, oral health education, and routine preventive visits, have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to reduce oral disease incidence.

Objective

This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of preventive dental programs and examines their economic, clinical, and public health outcomes.

Methods

A narrative review and economic evaluation synthesis were conducted using evidence from peer-reviewed literature, governmental reports, and international oral health programs. Cost-effectiveness indicators including cost-benefit ratio (CBR), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analyzed.

Results

Community water fluoridation demonstrated the highest cost-benefit ratio, ranging from 5:1 to 20:1 depending on population size. School sealant programs reduced caries prevalence by 40–60% and generated significant long-term savings. Preventive interventions consistently showed lower lifetime treatment costs compared to restorative care. Economic models indicated that every $1 invested in preventive dentistry yielded savings between $3 and $15.

Conclusion

Preventive dental programs are highly cost-effective public health investments. Expanding preventive services can substantially reduce healthcare expenditures while improving oral health outcomes and quality of life.