Assessing sealant retention using a Poisson frailty model

Abstract

Objective: This paper utilises a Poisson frailty regression model with clustering to report on the failure rates of sealants placed and repaired during a three-year follow-up school-based comprehensive preventive programme. Basic research design: The programme included annual application/reapplication of light-cured fissure sealants in 210 12-year-old subjects over three years. Sealants placed at the commencement of each year of the programme were assessed for retention 12 months later and repair/reapplication was undertaken at that time for those surfaces judged to require it. An application of a Poisson regression model with random effects ("frailties") and clustering was used in this pape..