Abstract

Objectives

This study conducted cost-effectiveness of a targeted school-based dental check-up program compared with standard care in Victoria, Australia. Subsequently, a budget impact analysis was conducted if the intervention was implemented statewide to all preschools and state government primary schools.

Methods

Cost-effectiveness analyses were performed with a 2-year time horizon from the Victorian government payer perspective. Costs were adjusted to 2024 values in Australian dollars (AUD$). The 3 outcomes of interest were the (1) incremental cost per child who have never had a dental visit (2) incremental cost per child reached from lower socioeconomic disadvantage, and (3) incremental cost per disability-adjusted life-years averted. Uncertainty was characterized using probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Budget impact analysis considered alternative scenarios using 1-way and 2-way sensitivity analyses.

Results

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were dominant for all 3 outcome measures, indicating that the intervention is cost-effective. The generated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios was −AUD$1791 (−$8639; $2787) per child who never had a first dental visit, (2) −AUD$722 (−$3484; −$1124) per child reached from lower socioeconomic disadvantage, and (3) −AUD$2 989 645 (−$3 487 337; $102 049) per disability-adjusted life-years averted. The budget impact analysis showed the intervention, if implemented statewide, could cost the Victorian government $96.9 million more than the base-case scenario over 5 years but provides financial protection for an additional 121 284 children.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates evidence that a targeted school-based dental check-up is cost-effective and increases equitable access and financial protection through Victorian public oral healthcare.