School-Based Program Halts Kids’ Tooth Decay with Simple Non‑Invasive Treatments
A pioneering study from NYU's College of Dentistry, published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates that two minimal‑intervention dental treatments—Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)—can effectively arrest most childhood cavities for years.
Study Highlights
- Part of the “CariedAway” cluster‑randomized trial involving over 7,400 students from 48 NYC elementary schools, with detailed follow-up data on 1,600+ children aged 5–13.
- More than 10,000 decayed tooth surfaces received either ART or SDF treatment during biannual school visits, often followed by fluoride varnish.
- Over four years, SDF arrested decay in 62% of treated surfaces, while ART succeeded in 55%—a statistically robust comparison by tooth‑surface .
What Are ART & SDF?
ART: Removes decay using hand tools, then fills with a protective sealant. SDF: A topical liquid approved by the FDA, brushed onto decayed areas to kill bacteria and strengthen enamel .
Public Health Impact
Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. Each year, schools lose an estimated 34 million hours due to dental emergencies. By embedding care in schools, programs like CariedAway reduce decay progression and help avoid painful procedures like extractions or infection treatment .
Key Results
| Treatment | % Surfaces Arrested |
|---|---|
| SDF | 62 % |
| ART | 55 % |
Expert Commentary
Dr. Ryan Richard Ruff, PhD, MPH, lead NYU researcher: “This is the most robust analysis we've conducted, examining decay at every tooth surface level over four years” .
Dr. Tamarinda J. Barry‑Godín, PhD, MPH, CariedAway director: “Providing ART or SDF treatments in schools can help avoid the need for more invasive dental procedures and improve access to preventive care.”
Future Directions
Results support expanding non‑invasive treatments in school settings, particularly in underserved communities. Next steps include scaling up programs and assessing long‑term outcomes and cost-effectiveness .
📚 References
- Ruff RR et al. Silver Diamine Fluoride vs Atraumatic Restoration for Managing Dental Caries in Schools: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025.
- NYU News: School dental treatments stop kids’ tooth decay in its tracks.
- Contemporary Pediatrics: Study shows school-based ART and SDF stop cavity progression.