This study is a continuation of a cluster randomized clinical trial (cRCT) conducted in 33 publicly subsidized housing facilities/sites (HUD Section 202) and other low-income housing voucher programs in NE Ohio. The Intervention Arm (18 sites) - participants received biannual silver diamine fluoride (SDF) versus the Control Arm (15 sites) where participants received atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) with glass ionomer cement (GIC) + biannual fluoride varnish (FV) application. A total of 568 participants were recruited in the original study, and 480 participants (Intervention Arm: 287, Control Arm: 193) are expected to continue in this long-term follow-up study. Since enrollment in the original study was done over time, each participant will contribute data at 3 to 6 years (from randomization) in the LTFU depending on study entry to assess clinical equipoise of the two treatments. Community-dwelling older adults, regardless of medical, cognitive, or motor impairments, were considered for inclusion in the original study and were: (1) aged ≥ 62 years in the 33 housing facilities; (2) have at least one untreated active root or coronal carious lesion with ICDAS-II lesion severity code of 3 or greater ; (3) willingness to stay in the study for 1 year. Exclusion criteria: (1) sensitivity to silver or other heavy-metal ions; (2) serious life-threatening medical disease. Additionally, any participant with the presence of gingival/perioral ulceration or stomatitis or tooth abscess in any specific tooth were referred to a dentist and enrolled after resolution. The LTFU study will follow the same enrolled participants long-term. The current mean (sd) age of the 480 participants who will enter the LTFU study will be 73.73 (6.92) years.
Age range
62 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Caries Arrest Rate
Timeframe: Baseline (LTFU 1) to 52-weeks (LTFU 3)
New Decay Rate
Timeframe: Baseline (LTFU 1) to 52-weeks (LTFU 3)
Tooth Loss
Timeframe: Baseline (LTFU 1) to 52-weeks (LTFU 3)
Tooth Pain
Timeframe: Baseline (LTFU 1) to 52-weeks (LTFU 3)
Oral Health Related Quality of Life
Timeframe: Baseline (LTFU 1) to 52-weeks (LTFU 3)