Which statement describes the Take a 1st Look program results?

• A. Children received earlier fluoride with more frequency.
• B. Caries treatment counts were highest in dentist-only.
• C. Earlier and more frequent fluoride applications initiated by patient care providers reduced caries incidence, treatments, and cost.
• D. There was no change in caries incidence.

Answer: (C)

Starting preventive care early with frequent fluoride applications delivered by non-dental patient care providers can meaningfully lower caries risk. Fluoride strengthens enamel, promotes remineralization, and slows demineralization, so applying it earlier and more often gives teeth sustained protection during the years when decay risk is highest. When this protection is integrated into routine care—pediatric visits, well-child checks, and other non-dental encounters—it reaches more children, reduces the progression of early lesions, cuts the need for restorative treatments, and lowers overall costs. This aligns with the Take a 1st Look results showing that early, more frequent fluoride applications initiated by patient care providers decreased caries incidence, treatments, and cost. The other statements don’t fit as well: focusing only on earlier fluoride without linking outcomes misses the observed impact on disease and costs; attributing higher treatment counts to dentist-only care contradicts the program’s integrated preventive approach; and saying there was no change contradicts the demonstrated reduction in caries and related costs.