Rapid review of intervention studies to reduce inequalities in dental caries among children

Background: Despite the availability of effective interventions to prevent caries among children, it is not clear which intervention reduces inequalities in caries.

Objectives: The objective of this rapid review is to synthesize empirical evidence from intervention studies aiming at reducing inequalities in caries among children.

Methods: Literature search was conducted up to February 2024 to identify intervention studies showing change in socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries among children. Key words related to socioeconomic inequalities, children, caries and intervention studies were used. Interventions included any preventive or health promotion interventions used to reduce inequalities in caries. Comparison included any groups not receiving the intervention or receiving an alternative intervention.

Results: After removing duplicate and irrelevant studies, only 14 studies were identified. The identified interventions included fluoride varnish, health education and promotion in schools and water fluoridation. Use of fluoride in whole population and target population interventions showed greater impact on inequalities in caries.

Conclusion: Limited studies assessed the impact of intervention studies on inequalities in caries among children. Studies targeting the whole population appeared to have a greater and more consistent impact on inequalities.