Expanding access through preventive innovation: the public health impact of sdf and smart protocols performed by dental hygienists in vermont
Palavras-chave:
Silver Diamine Fluoride (Sdf), Smart Protocol, Dental Hygienists, Preventive Dentistry, Oral Health Access, Cost-Effectiveness, Public Health, Vermont, Minimally Invasive Dentistry, Health Policy ReformResumo
The problem of access to preventive oral healthcare has been a chronic issue in underserved populations and is especially frequent in rural and low-income communities. This review discusses the health aspects of the use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART) in the practice of licensed dental hygienists in Vermont. The study focuses on the role of preventive innovation and how these low-cost, minimally invasive procedures can extend care delivery and decrease disparities in oral health outcomes. The review reveals the benefits of SDF and SMART interventions as alternative restorative therapies by assessing clinical efficacy, cost-saving and satisfaction among patients. The discussion also takes into consideration the progressive scope-of-practice policies of Vermont that enable the dental hygienists to independently administer these treatments as a way of improving the access and preventive coverage at a community level. Results highlight the fact that the integrability of SDF and SMART protocols in the programs of the population health mitigates the increase in the burden of untreated caries and enhances the sustainability of the preventive oral health systems. It is a model that shows how workforce innovation and policy change can help revolutionize preventive dentistry and advance equitable access to oral health in this country.
