PROBLEM STATEMENT: Evidence supports the use of in office fluoride treatments but there is limited research determining patient satisfaction between methods and compositions. Patient satisfaction with treatment has the potential to increase compliance and acceptance of treatment.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the patient preference and satisfaction between 3 fluoride treatments. 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment (Clinpro Clear), a water-based composition, applied with a brush, Colgate® PreviDent® Varnish (PreviDent), a rosin-based composition, applied with a brush and Dharma Research Ionite Neutral Gel (Ionite), a gel composition, applied for 4 minutes via tray.
METHODS: This clinical study involved the application of 3 fluoride products to patients’ teeth by dental hygienists in a dental operatory setting. Patients received each type of treatment over the course of three visits so they could compare all products. There was a minimum of 48 hours between treatments. Forty-four patients received all 3 treatment types. Patients provided immediate feedback about each treatment via questionnaires assessing taste, smell, mouthfeel, and overall satisfaction. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used and analyzed as a cross-over study with product and period as fixed effects and subject as a random effect. Patients were able to choose descriptive attributes that applied to each treatment and how their teeth felt after treatment.
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant higher overall patient satisfaction of Clinpro Clear over Ionite and PreviDent (p-value < 0.0001). Patients rated the taste and mouth feel of Clinpro Clear higher than PreviDent and similar to Ionite.
CONCLUSIONS: Dental patients overall preferred Clinpro Clear over PreviDent and Ionite. Patients rated the taste and mouthfeel for Clinpro Clear statistically higher than PreviDent. They reported that Clinpro Clear provided a smooth, slick, clean and fresh feeling.
This study was sponsored by 3M Dental Solutions. IRB approval was obtained (3M IRB#00007296)
.png)
