This collection of selected resources offers high-quality information about fluoride varnish. Use the tools below for further searching, or contact us for personalized assistance.
For a more comprehensive listing, review our resource guide on this topic.
Used with permission from Joanna Douglass, B.D.S., D.D.S., University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. 2008.
Selected Materials in the OHRC Library
Altarum Institute. 2009. Topical fluoride recommendations for high-risk children: Development of decision support matrix—Recommendations from MCHB expert panel. Washington, DC: Altarum Institute. 19 pp. Report; decision support matrix.
This report summarizes recommendations on the use of topical fluoride in preventing and controlling tooth decay from an expert panel convened on October 22–23, 2007, in Washington, DC. The matrix was developed primarily for a non-oral-health audience—program staff and non-oral-health professionals in public health settings who work with infants and young children from birth to age 6 who are at high risk for tooth decay. The matrix offers recommendations on the use of topical fluoride—toothpaste, varnish, mouth rinses, gels, and foams.
American Dental Association, Council on Scientific Affairs. 2006. Professionally applied topical fluoride: Evidence-based clinical recommendations. Journal of the American Dental Association 137(8):1151–1159. Report; tool.
This report presents information on the use of professionally applied topical fluoride (gel, varnish, and foam). Topics include a definition of evidence-based dentistry; the rationale for evidence-based clinical recommendations on professionally applied topical fluoride; and the American Dental Association’s process for clinical recommendations, panel conclusions, and clinical recommendations. A tool based on scientific evidence adapted from the report is also available.
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, Fluorides Committee. 2009. Fluoride varnish policy statement. New Bern, NC: Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. 5 pp.
This policy statement supports the use of fluoride varnish, beginning with tooth eruption, for individuals at moderate to high risk for dental caries as an effective adjunct in programs designed to reduce lifetime caries experience.
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, Fluorides Committee. 2007. Fluoride varnish: An evidence-based approach. New Bern, NC: Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. 15 pp.
This brief provides questions and responses to present the best available evidence to help professionals design and evaluate community-based programs that use fluoride varnish. Topics include a definition of fluoride varnish, how fluoride prevents tooth decay, advantages of fluoride varnish over other professionally applied fluorides, how dental caries in primary and permanent teeth can be prevented, how often fluoride varnish should be applied, Food and Drug Administration approval, fluoride varnish safety, whether fluoride varnish contributes to fluorosis, and what could improve the cost effectiveness of community-based programs.
This fact sheet provides information about fluoride varnish and its uses, effectiveness, safety, service delivery, and reimbursement.
Michigan Department of Community Health, Oral Health Program. 2007. Fluoride varnish: Protect your child’s smile. Lansing, MI: Michigan Department of Community Health, Oral Health Program. 2 pp. English, Spanish, Arabic.
This brochure for parents provides information on the Varnish! Michigan program and the benefits of fluoride varnish for protecting primary teeth from decay. Topics include what fluoride varnish is and why it is recommended for infants and children, the safety of fluoride varnish, how it is applied, follow-up care, how long varnish and its benefits last, and costs to the family.
Texas Department of State Health Services, Oral Health Program. 2009. Fluoride varnish manual: Happy child, bright smile. Austin, TX: Texas Department of State Health Services, Oral Health Program. 29 pp.
This manual provides a guide for implementing a fluoride varnish program in Texas. It contains information about fluoride varnish advantages, protocols, and application. A list of resources, including the various types of fluoride varnish, ordering information, and costs are included. Also provided are sample documents such as program reporting forms, parent letters, and handouts. Instructions are supplemented with photographs.
