An evaluation of single and combined self-applied fluoride programs in schools.

1. The combined use of a twice-yearly, self-applied 2.2 percent phosphate fluoride prophylactic paste and a weekly 0.2 percent sodium fluoride mouthrinse resulted in a significantly lower caries prevalence at the same school after two years. 2. The use of a weekly 0.2 percent sodium fluoride mouthrinse alone resulted in a significantly lower caries prevalence among 11 year olds at the same school after two years. 3. The use of a twice-yearly 2.2 percent phosphate fluoride self-applied prophylactic paste did not result in a significant difference in caries prevalence at the same school after two years. 4. The combination of methods appeared to be more effective than either method used alone and the programs were more effective among nonwhites in this population with this type of analysis. 5. A study design which uses cross-sectional data to estimate incidence and to make prevalence comparisons at two different points in time can be useful when an evaluation of the effect of previously tested products is desired in school-based programs.