Silver Diamine Fluoride

This report provides information from a pilot project conducted to test guidance developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to support the implementation of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application in pediatric settings. The report describes the pilot, presents evaluation results, and discusses obstacles to and facilitators of successful implementation, workflow changes to support implementation, early outcomes, use of AAP guidance to inform and support implementation, and the SDF pilot experience.

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This fact sheet presents information about the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for managing carious lesions. Topics include what SDF is, what it does, and indications for its use; strength of evidence for the use of SDF; whether SDF is approved by the Food and Drug Administration; and contraindications for SDF use. Also discussed are other consideration for the use of SDF, recommended protocols, whether SDF can be used with fluoride varnish, other professionally applied fluorides, and dental sealants; the number of states in which Medicaid reimburses for SDF use, and who can apply SDF.

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This toolkit provides information about the Pediatric Medical Home Pilot Project, the goal of which was to integrate silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application into primary pediatric care as a strategy to reduce the incidence of early childhood caries. The toolkit discusses how to integrate SDF application into pediatric care in Vermont. It presents a case for using SDF to treat early childhood caries, explains what SDF is, and provides guidelines for integrating SDF into practice. Information about the development of the toolkit is included. zzz

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This brief provides guidance on physicians' use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to help reduce tooth decay. The brief explains what SDF is and offers reminders for physicians about SDF application. Also discussed is preparing a dental referral network and obtaining training on the appropriate use of SDF, case selection, application techniques, and risks of SDF. Link to resources on the following topics are included: becoming familiar with SDF, solidifying foundational oral health knowledge, and SDF application hands-on training.

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This report summarizes findings from key informant interviews conducted to improve understanding of pediatricians’ provision of preventive oral health care for children ages 5 and under and to assess pediatricians’ familiarity with and use of silver diamine fluoride. Interviews were conducted to learn more about pediatricians’ oral health training experiences; their provision of oral health care and guidance to families of children ages 5 and under; and their perceptions of silver diamine fluoride as a treatment option in the medical setting, including anticipated startup needs and challenges.

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This video presents recommendations from the 2018 American Dental Association clinical practice guideline on nonrestorative treatments, including silver diamine fluoride (SDF), for carious lesions. The safety of SDF is discussed, along with scientific evidence and recommendations for its use. Guidance for dentists on how to use a risk-assessment approach to determine whether the use of SDF is appropriate for patients is provided, along with guidance on how to talk to patients about use of SDF and other treatment options. A four-step process for applying SDF is included, along with guidance on how to determine whether reapplication is needed.

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