Mid Sweden University

Introduction: Since 2020, work has been underway to develop a concept for how health promoters could support families in developing healthier habits, thereby reducing dental caries. To ensure that the limited resources in children's public dentistry are utilized effectively, a health economic estimation is needed. Aim: To evaluate the health economic impact of health promoters conducting health consultations compared to 'Recommended Program for Caries Treatment' to reduce caries risk amongst young children. Method: A business impact analysis (BIA) and health economic modelling were conducted based on epidemiological data from the public dental service in Region Västra Götaland for the year 2021. The model is based on The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Task Force guidelines for budget impact analysis. The study is presented in accordance with Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022 (CHEERS2022). Result: The current environment for the prevention of caries in children aged 3-6 years requires 5.7 FTE dental hygienists and 5.7 FTE dental assistants, costing about 6,071,000 SEK a year. The new environment utilizes twentythree health promoters at a cost of 13,237,000 SEK, a difference of -7,166,000 SEK. If preventive consultations are made by health promoters, it will liberate 19,389 hours of dental personnel annually. Estimated health outcomes indicate that reaching 90% caries-free 3–6-year-olds in the region is reasonable within about six years. As a result, a total of 988 children and their 1,976 siblings are likely to adopt healthier habits, leading to improved oral health. Conclusion: To address the healthcare landscape of the future, health promoters are estimated to be an intriguing resource from organizational, health-related, and budgetary standpoints