Table 1 Parameters, probabilities and distributions used in the model

Effectiveness of sealants (CI 95%)^a

2 Y: 78 (66–85)

–

A probability table was used

4 Y: 60 (49–69)

–

6 Y: 48 (37–57)

–

Prevalence of caries in first permanent molars (range for sensitivity analysis)^b

6 YO: 0

6 YO: 25

Normal

8 YO: 8 (± 2)

8 YO: 35.3 (± 2)

Normal

10 YO: 18 (± 2)

10 YO: 45.6 (± 2)

Normal

12 YO: 29 (± 2)

12 YO: 55.9 (± 2)

Normal

Cavities

1 in one thousand

1 in one thousand

Beta

Other causes

1 in ten thousand

1 in ten thousand

Beta

Reseal rate per cycle (Range for sensitivity analysis)^c

3 (0–13)

–

Beta

Re-filling rate per cycle (Range for sensitivity analysis)^d

1 (0–14)

1 (0–14)

Beta