The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention that systematically reviews the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services.

Fluoride varnish is standard for pediatric medical care.

In 2014, the US Preventive Services Task Force made application of fluoride varnish by medical clinicians standard as a Grade B Recommendation. 1

The two recommendations are:

1. Population: Children from Birth Through Age 5 Years
   1. Recommendation: The USPSTF recommends that primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption.
   2. Grade: B recommendation

2. Population: Children from Birth Through Age 5 Years
   1. Recommendation: The USPSTF recommends that primary care clinicians prescribe oral fluoride supplementation starting at age 6 months for children whose water supply is deficient in fluoride.
   2. Grade: B recommendation

Although the national standard is for all children to have their first visit with a dentist by age one, it is not a reality for most children.  Primary care medical providers caring for young children can have a positive impact on health by routinely offering fluoride varnish as part of well child care.

The US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation for fluoride varnish has resulted in widespread medical insurance coverage.  Click here to review the Prevention of Dental Caries in Children From Birth Through Age 5 Years: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

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1 Source: This article was first published in Pediatrics (Pediatrics 2013;132:332–35).

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