Impact of an Oral Health Education Program on the Oral Health Literacy of Refugees

Inadequate comprehension of healthcare information contributes to poor health outcomes. Ethnic minorities are one of the populations most affected by low health and oral health literacy (OHL). The hypothesis of the current study was that an oral health education program (OHEP) can improve the OHL, oral health awareness and behaviors of refugees. We also hypothesized that there will be a difference between OHL in English and native language in the Pre-intervention phase. Fifty-two adult refugees participated in an educational program that included a comprehensive and culturally sensitive PowerPoint presentation and hands-on learning activities on oral health topics. The study used a cross-sectional pre-post study design. Before the program (Pre-intervention group), participants completed 2 surveys: Sociodemographic Survey and Oral Health Perceptions of Refugees in a bilingual format, and the Estimate of Oral Health Literacy-Bilingual40 (EOHL-BL40) in English, and in the participants' native language. Immediately after an OHEP (Post-intervention group), participants completed the EOHL-BL40 survey in English only. Two weeks after OHEP (Follow-up intervention), participants completed again the Sociodemographic Survey and Oral Health Perceptions of Refugees and the Estimate of Oral Health Literacy-Bilingual40 (EOHL-BL40) in English only. The mean percentage of words understood on Pre-intervention EOHL-BL40 survey were significantly higher in native languages (47.3% ±3.7%) compared with survey in English (15.3% ±1.2%, P < 0.001). Post-intervention scores, immediately after educational program, were higher (28.6% ±2.4%), P < 0.001) for survey in English compared with the Pre-intervention (15.3% ±1.2%). The follow-up (2 weeks later) scores (25.5% ±2.4) were slightly lower than Post-intervention but still significantly higher (P < 0.001) than Pre-intervention. Results for both Sociodemographic Survey and Oral Health Perceptions of Refugees surveys were similar: the OHEP positively affected oral health awareness and oral health behaviors. Results of the study suggested that OHEP may improve oral health literacy, oral health awareness, and personal oral hygiene practices of refugees.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards ECC Prevention in Thai Medical Personnel

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC) amongst medical personnel in well-baby clinics (WBC).

METHODS

Participants were 152 health care professionals, including public health officers, nurses, and physicians, working in WBC in Chonburi Province, Thailand. Participants completed a 6-part online questionnaire asking about demographic data, knowledge and attitudes related to ECC, ECC prevention practices, collaboration, referral systems, and suggestions for improving collaboration between dental and medical personnel in WBC.

RESULTS

Whilst most participants had high levels of knowledge about oral care instructions, tooth brushing frequency, and cariogenic foods and beverages, they knew less about recommendations for timing of the first dental visit, fluoride concentration in toothpaste, and the time for exfoliation of primary teeth. There were significant differences in the proportions of correct answers to questions related to the first dental visit and bottle feeding and in total knowledge scores between physicians and other health care professionals. Most participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards ECC prevention. More than 70% of participants always advise parents on oral hygiene and nutrition related to ECC prevention, but only 29% always refer patients to see dental personnel. Attitudes, collaboration, and referral systems were significantly associated with ECC prevention practices, but not knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that attitudes, collaboration, and referral systems are key contributors to ECC prevention amongst Thai medical personnel. In addition to training programmes, consistent interprofessional policy and referral systems should be formulated, especially in primary care settings.

Intervention to promote preventive dental care for older Korean-American Medi-Cal enrollees in Los Angeles

BACKGROUND

In California, preventive dental care is covered by Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program). However, many beneficiaries do not use their dental benefits. Given that a lack of knowledge about oral health and insurance coverage contributes to this underutilization, promoting the use of dental benefits among eligible individuals via an educational program is imperative. Responding to the particular needs of older immigrants with limited English proficiency, we developed a digital oral health intervention for older Korean-American Medi-Cal enrollees in Los Angeles. This educational intervention is designed to be delivered via computers and the Internet. It consists of a 15-min self-running PowerPoint presentation narrated in Korean with links to additional information on the Internet. The slides contain information about the basic etiology of oral diseases, oral hygiene, common myths about oral health and dental care, Medi-Cal coverage of preventive dental care, and how to find a dental clinic.

METHODS

We pilot tested the intervention with 12 participants to examine its feasibility and acceptability. We also obtained participants' qualitative feedback about the intervention.

RESULTS

A post-intervention quantitative assessment yielded high participant satisfaction and improved oral health and dental care knowledge. Participant responses to the intervention yielded four themes: (1) content and structure, (2) linguistic and cultural aspects, (3) delivery mode, and (4) additional concerns and suggestions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm the intervention's feasibility and acceptability and suggest further refinement.

Effectiveness of mobile augmented reality-integrated oral health education for community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE

Oral health education helps older adults optimize their oral health. However, traditional lecture-based oral health education has limitations, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile augmented reality (MAR) has emerged as an alternative educational method. This study compared the effectiveness of MAR-integrated oral health education with that of lecture-based education and no education.

METHODS

This parallel, randomized controlled, open-label trial enrolled 75 older adults from six activity centers. The participants were randomly assigned, by a random number table technique, to the lecture-based, MAR, or control group. Data on oral healthcare-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and oral health status were collected through questionnaires and oral examinations at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a 2-week follow-up. The MAR system's usability was assessed. Statistical analyses, comprising descriptive statistics and inferential tests, were performed.

RESULTS

Data from 61 participants were analyzed, 22 in the lecture-based group, 20 in the MAR group, and 19 in the control group. Both lectures and MAR education significantly improved oral health status. However, changes in knowledge and self-efficacy scores were significantly different only for the MAR versus control group (p = .002 and .001, respectively). The MAR group demonstrated better knowledge and self-efficacy retention than did the lecture-based group, without significant difference. Usability assessment revealed potential for improvement in the MAR system.

CONCLUSIONS

MAR-integrated oral health education enhanced the knowledge, self-efficacy, and oral health status of community-dwelling older adults. However, addressing technology adoption and usability challenges is vital. Longer-term evaluations and broader geographical studies are recommended.

Evaluating an oral health education program for Korean soldiers during the COVID-19 era: Applying quantitative light-induced fluorescent technology-A pilot study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to provide a basis for the development of a remote oral health education program for soldiers enlisted during the COVID-19 era(August-September 2021) by conducting oral health education using quantitative light-induced fluorescent technology and then comparing Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (QHPI) and oral health knowledge, awareness, and behavior.

METHODS

Thirty soldiers serving in a military hospital in South Korea were classified into two groups using simple random sampling. The experimental group implemented oral health education and self-managed using quantitative light-induced fluorescent technology, whereas the control group implemented oral health education alone. It was performed for 8 weeks at 2-week intervals. Thereafter, oral health knowledge, awareness, and behavior were surveyed, and QHPI was measured. Changes between and within groups over time were analyzed.

RESULTS

QHPI was statistically significantly reduced in the experimental group over time. Oral health knowledge, awareness, and behavior scores were higher in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences. Oral health education considering the characteristics of soldiers, who utilized quantitative light-induced fluorescent technology, was shown to be effective, and this effect requires further research through a longitudinal study.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that oral health education based on quantitative light-induced fluorescent technology should be a useful tool for improving the oral hygiene status, oral health knowledge, awareness, and behavior of Korean soldiers.

An experiential service-learning project on oral health examination and education

BACKGROUND

It has been demonstrated that experiential service-learning is effective in fields including public health and medicine. Preventive Dentistry is a practical course, and Oral Health Examination and Education is a topic that is suitable for teaching with experiential service-learning. This study describes an example of experiential service-learning in Preventive Dentistry named "Oral Health Examination and Education Project" and also evaluates its effectiveness among dental students.

METHODS

A total of 108 dental students in their fourth year participated in this project in 2022. The project was composed of six sections: theoretical teaching, field investigation, data collection and analysis, investigation report writing and creating oral health education materials, oral health education and students' evaluation of the project.

RESULTS

During this project, students learned how to perform surveys related to oral health, wrote an investigation report, created oral health education materials, and provided oral health education for children. Students were demonstrated an improvement in their academic performance for theoretical knowledge related to Oral Health Examination and Education in comparison with the students in the previous year. Over 90% of students expressed their preference for the learning method of experiential service and believed that it helped them to better understand the course material. They also recommended this teaching method for future classes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that an experiential service-learning approach within this scope was highly beneficial to students because it provided them with the opportunity to understand the practical application of their coursework and obtain valuable experience in the field. This research suggests that oral epidemiology instructors in dental and oral public health programs should pay more attention to incorporate similar experiential projects into their curriculum with the aim of better preparing students for careers in oral public health.

Home-based oral health program for adults with intellectual disabilities: An intervention study

BACKGROUND

Poor oral health is common in adults with intellectual disabilities leading to risk of mouth and lung infections. Yet, little is known about the benefits of preventative oral health programs.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

This prospective longitudinal experimental mixed methods study evaluated the efficacy of an oral health program aimed at improving knowledge and behaviours in adults with intellectual disabilities living in supported housing.

METHODS

A 90-min training session was provided to residents and their staff at 12 houses (56 residents; 67 staff). Follow-up training sessions (at 1 week, 1,2,3 months) were tailored to the learning abilities, behavioural/physical challenges, and independence of residents. Outcome measures were collected pre, 1, 2 and 3 months (n = 36): dental exam, plaque index, gingival signs, tongue coating index and behavioural rating scale. At 3 months, support workers (n = 10) and residents (n = 19) were interviewed. Residents' interviews were supported by Talking Mats®.

RESULTS

Most residents (94%) required support for oral cares; with 63% fully dependant on their support workers. 24 (63%) residents had significantly improved plaque scores at 3 months (p < .001). Resident interviews were restricted by communication competency but supported interviews indicated positive responses to 3-sided toothbrush 91%, interdental brush/flosser 60%, and mouthwash 100%. Support worker interviews revealed perceived health and social benefits including fresher breath and benefits of routines.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral health programs for adults with intellectual disabilities living in supported housing are well received by staff and residents, leading to changes in oral care routines and measurable changes in oral health.

A 2-arm randomized controlled study to improve the oral health of children living with HIV in Nigeria: Protocol and study design

Background

Good oral health is an integral part of overall child health. However, immune-deficient states like the presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) will compromise oral health and salivary bacterial composition, leading to adverse oral conditions. Nigeria has 1.9 million HIV-positive residents, and 0.2% of incident HIV infections occur among children below 15 years.

Aim

This study aims to determine through a randomized control study, the effect of an educational intervention on the oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of HIV-positive children presenting to five pediatric HIV clinics in Kano, Nigeria.

Methods/Design

This 2-arm randomized control study will be conducted in five pediatric HIV outpatient clinics in Kano State, Nigeria over a period of 6 months. Eligible participants will include 172 HIV-infected frequency matched children aged 8-16 years (they can self-implement the oral health intervention with minimal supervision from the caregivers) who will be randomized and allocated into control and intervention groups. The evaluation and oral health assessment will be carried out by five examiners who will be trained and calibrated.

Discussion

Our findings will help inform policies to improve the oral health and OHRQoL of HIV-positive Nigerian children and inform the need to integrate oral health care services into HIV programs in similar settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrails.gov ID: National Clinical Trial (NCT) NCT05540171. Registered on 12th September 2022.

Effect of Conventional and "Dental Truth or Dare" Board Game on Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Oral Hygiene Status of Preschool Children

Aim: To compare the benefits of didactic versus board game-based oral health instruction on oral health knowledge (OHK) and oral hygiene of preschool students. Materials and Methods: Participants were selected through computer-assisted randomization. (Eighty students were selected in both the 3- to 4-year-old and 5- to 6-year-old age groups, respectively, for a total of 160 participants). Forty participants of each age group were assigned randomly to Group A (PowerPoint^® presentation) and 40 to Group B ("Dental Truth or Dare" board game-based instruction). OHK and debris index-simplified (DI-S) were assessed at preintervention, and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month postintervention timepoints. Results: OHK scores increased significantly in the 3- to 4-year-old subset of Group A at the 1-week postintervention timepoint but declined and approximated the baseline value at the 3-month timepoint. In contrast, compared to baseline, significantly improved OHK scores were observed at all 3 timepoints in both age groups in Group B, and were especially pronounced in the 5- to 6-year-old subset. Although the 3-month scores were slightly lower than the 1-week scores, they were well above baseline values. Pre- and postintervention DI-S scores did not change significantly in the 3- to 4-year-old subset of Group A. However, significant increases in good DI-S scores and decreases in fair and poor scores were observed between baseline and 3-month timepoints in the 5- to 6-year-old subset of Group A and in both age subsets of Group B (P ≤ 0.05). OHK and DI-S scores were significantly higher among 5-6-year-olds than among the 3-4-year olds in both Groups A and B (P ≤ 0.05). Age and board game intervention were the main determinants of higher OHK and lower DI-S scores. The impact of intervention mode (board game) was greater than that of age. Conclusion: Board game-based oral hygiene education conferred significant short-term retention, enhanced OHK, and reduced DI-S. We conclude that gaming is an easily implemented and cost-effective educational tool for the improvement of oral hygiene in preschool children.

The impact of integrating oral health education into a microbiology curriculum for students of department of life science

Background/purpose

Good oral health is important for general health of the body. This study aimed to evaluate an innovative design incorporating oral health education related to oral pathogenic bacteria into a microbiology laboratory curriculum for students of department of life science by evaluating the students' perspectives on the oral health curriculum.

Materials and methods

Twenty-six students who took the elective course entitled "Microbiology Laboratory" in the National Taiwan Normal University in 2022 were invited to fill out the questionnaire for a presurvey regarding their familiarity with basic oral health concepts, and a postsurvey in which the students answered the same presurvey questions after finishing the class.

Results

Of the 26 students, 25 (96.15%) participated in both the presurvey and postsurvey. The results showed that the learning unit of oral health education related to oral pathogenic bacteria helped students in raising their concepts of oral health. To the questions asking that I understand the bacteria that cause dental caries and the pathogenic mechanism and I understand the bacteria that cause periodontal diseases and the pathogenic mechanism, the numbers of students who agreed both questions increased from 2 (8%) to 25 (100%), respectively. Moreover, the mean scores increased from 2.64 to 4.32 (P < 0.001) and from 2.68 to 4.32 (P < 0.001) for the two corresponding questions, respectively.

Conclusion

The learning unit of oral health education in the microbiology laboratory curriculum helped the students of department of life science to increase their awareness and understanding of oral health.

The impact of integrating oral health education into a human physiology curriculum for students of early childhood education

Background/purpose

The good oral health plays a pivotal role in improving the general health of the body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an innovative design incorporating oral health education into a human physiology curriculum for students of early childhood education by evaluating the students' perspectives on the oral health curriculum.

Materials and methods

Forty-two first-year students who took the compulsory course entitled "Introduction to Human Physiology" in National Taiwan Normal University in 2022 were invited to fill out the questionnaire for a presurvey regarding their familiarity with basic oral health concepts, and a postsurvey in which the students answered the same presurvey questions after finishing the class.

Results

Of the 42 students, 41 (97.62%) participated in both the presurvey and postsurvey. The results showed that the learning unit of oral health education helped students in raising their concepts on oral health. To the questions asking that I understand the structure and function of the oral cavity and I understand common oral diseases (dental caries and periodontal diseases), the numbers of students who agreed increased from 12 (29.27%) to 39 (95.12%) and 11 (26.83%) to 36 (87.80%), respectively. Moreover, the mean scores increased from 3.24 to 4.20 (P < 0.001) and from 3.12 to 4.29 (P < 0.001) for the two corresponding questions, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, the learning unit of oral health education in the human physiology curriculum for students of early childhood education helped the students to increase their awareness and understanding of oral health.

Health belief model for empowering parental toothbrushing and sugar intake control in reducing early childhood caries among young children-study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

It has been recognized that oral health education for parents is critical for preventing early childhood caries (ECC). Few parents practiced caries prevention procedures for their children in daily life, though. A novel intervention scheme using mobile messages will be developed in this study under the framework of the health belief model (HBM). The objective of the present randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new scheme in promoting oral health of young children by reducing dental caries.

Methods

This RCT will involve 26–36 child care centers or kindergartens with nursery classes (clusters) located in Hong Kong. A total of 518–628 child-parent dyads (child age 18–30 months) will be recruited and randomly allocated at the cluster level into the test or control group with a 1:1 ratio. For parents in the test group, the intervention will consist of a set of HBM-based text messages sent regularly in 48 weeks. A standard text message will be sent to the parents in the control group in the first week. The primary outcome will be dental caries measured by dmft/dmfs of the children after 2 years (around 4 years of age). The secondary outcomes will be toothbtushing and sugar intake.

Discussion

HBM-based intervention via a low-cost text messaging vehicle may serve as a viable way to empower parents to establish proper oral health behaviors for their children and safeguard the oral health of children in Hong Kong.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04665219. Registered on 11 December 2020.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06208-w.

Identification of the role of oral health educators in elementary schools during COVID-19 pandemic: a competency framework

OBJECTIVE

Oral health educators should have the required knowledge, skills and attitude in order to meet the increased needs of the Ministry of Education in Syria as well as to perform their duties in promoting oral health in children appropriately during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify core competencies required for oral health educators in elementary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative exploratory study was undertaken. A focus group which consisted of 5 Medical Education postgraduates and 3 oral health educators' training team members were invited to formulate a preliminary list of basic competencies. Delphi technique was also adopted through inviting 12 experts in oral health education to evaluate and formulate a final list of elementary schools' oral health educators' competencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

A competency framework was developed. Fifty-five competencies were identified including 35 in cognitive domain, 12 skills and 8 attitude competencies. A list of essential competencies has been identified. These competencies should be addressed in training programs targeting oral health educators, which can consequently produce competent educators who can successfully promote and provide health care to all schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cross-sectional study of oral health care service, oral health beliefs and oral health care education of caregivers in nursing homes

OBJECTIVES

To assess oral care beliefs and oral hygiene procedures among nursing home personnel to identify strengths and weaknesses in managing oral care.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study in two nursing homes using an oral health care questionnaire including the Nursing Dental Coping Belief Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 109 health personnel participated. Oral care was seldomly achieved twice a day and dental supplies were not guaranteed. Registered nurses found the oral health of residents more acceptable than did allied health personnel with less oral care education, who mostly delivered daily care. Conversely, nursing staff with oral care education had lower dental coping beliefs, suggesting a lack of self-reliance in controlling oral health outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Dental supplies should be part of nursing care equipment. Educational programs could increase positive oral health beliefs and enhance the quality of care in these settings, particularly among those who are accountable for oral care.

QLF-D: A Contemporary Plaque Control Tool in Children

Background and objectives

The main causative factors for maximum periodontal diseases are dental plaque and oral biofilms. This study was done to check the impact of quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D) as a motivational tool for plaque control among children from various schools situated in Dehradun district along with education using audiovisual aids.

Materials and methods

A total sample of 800 school-going children including both males and females aged 6 to 12 years from various schools situated in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand were surveyed. A pro forma was prepared and the demographics of the students were noted. All the students were first examined for the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and then the random division was done into two groups, group A (Q-scan) and group B (basic diagnostic aids) for examination of plaque index.

Results

The results of the study revealed that good OHI-S scores increased significantly from 1st visit to 3rd visit. The plaque scores for the control group, when examined with basic diagnostic aids of all three visits, were significantly good which increased subsequently from 1st visit to 3rd visit. Good plaque index score increased significantly for the test group from 1st to 3rd visit when examined with QLF-D.

Conclusion

We found in our study that QLF technology is of paramount importance in epidemiological surveys and plays a pivotal role in evaluating masses in maintaining oral health care.

How to cite this article

Solanki R, Tuli A, Dhawan P, et al. QLF-D: A Contemporary Plaque Control Tool in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):502–505.

Effectiveness of oral health education intervention among 12-15-year-old school children in Dharan, Nepal: a randomized controlled trial

Background

School-aged adolescents are in particular need of preventive program to ensure positive long-term oral health and hygiene. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an oral health education (OHE) intervention on oral hygiene knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), plaque control and gingival health among 12–15 years old school children in Dharan sub-metropolitan city, Nepal.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with parallel study groups, comprising 12–15-year-old school children, 120 in each group. OHE was given to the experimental group at baseline, third and sixth months and to the control group after completion of the study. Interview of the participants were done using a 23-item questionnaire for assessment of oral hygiene KAP. For each question, correct answer was scored as 1 and wrong answer was scored zero. An overall composite score was then created, by adding the individual scores. Oral examination was done using mouth mirror and WHO probe to record Turesky–Gilmore–Glickman modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index, Gingival index and Dentition status and treatment needs. Analysis was done using chi-square test for categorical data and independent t test, Mann–Whitney U test, repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test for quantitative data. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

There was 54.58% improvement in overall oral hygiene KAP in experimental group (P = 0.001) whereas no improvement was seen in control group at the end of the study. The mean plaque score was improved by 57.67% (P = 0.001) in experimental group in comparison to 4.56% in control group. Gingival index was improved by 49.90% (P = 0.001) in experimental group in comparison to 0.7% in control group. Caries experience was increased in both groups but no significant difference was seen.

Conclusions

The study concluded that oral health education was effective in improving oral hygiene KAP, plaque control and gingival health.

Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered with Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI) with identifier no. CTRI/2018/05/013985, registered on 05/21/2018. (http://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=23651&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2723651det%27). Institutional Review Committee, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan, Nepal provided the ethical approval (Ref. No.: 292/074/075-IRC).

Exploring the opinions of secondary school students on the strengths and weaknesses of the school dental service in Selangor, Malaysia: a qualitative study

Background

The Malaysian School Dental Service (SDS) was introduced to provide systematic and comprehensive dental care to school students. The service encompasses promotive, preventive, and, curative dental care. This study aimed to undertake a process evaluation of the SDS based on the perspectives of government secondary school students in Selangor, Malaysia.

Methods

The study adopted a qualitative approach to explore the opinions of secondary school students on the SDS implementation in their schools. Data from focus group discussions involving Form Two (14-year-olds) and Form Four (16-year-olds) students from the selected schools were transcribed verbatim and coded using the NVivo software before framework method analysis was conducted.

Results

Among the strengths of the SDS were the convenience for students to undergo annual oral examination and dental treatment without having to visit dental clinics outside the school. The SDS also reduced possible financial burdens resulting from dental treatment costs, especially among students from low-income families. Furthermore, SDS helped to improve oral health awareness. However, the oral health education provided by the SDS personnel was deemed infrequent while the content and method of delivery were perceived to be less interesting. The poor attitude of the SDS personnel was also reported by the students.

Conclusion

The SDS provides effective and affordable dental care to secondary school students. However, the oral health promotion and education activities need to be improved to keep up with the evolving needs of the target audience.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-021-01741-7.

Tooth brushing performance in adolescents as compared to the best-practice demonstrated in group prophylaxis programs: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Research indicates that adolescents may have difficulties to adopt the tooth brushing recommendations delivered in prophylaxis programs. However, it is not clear whether these difficulties are seen amongst the entire age range of adolescence (10-19 years) or only occur at certain developmental stages of the adolescence. The present study analyzes the tooth brushing performance of adolescents and compares it to the best-practice of tooth brushing demonstrated during prophylaxis programs.

METHODS

A random sample of N = 66 adolescents, comprising 10-year-olds (n = 42) and 15-year-olds (n = 24), were asked to perform oral hygiene to the best of their abilities in front of a tablet camera. Videos were analyzed for tooth brushing duration, location, and brushing movements, and the difference between the actual and expected behaviour was tested for consistency using repeated measures ANOVAs and Student's t-tests. For the direct comparison across different age groups, already available data from 12- and 18-year-olds were reanalysed.

RESULTS

The average brushing time (mean ± SD) of the 10-year-olds and 15-year-olds was 195.8 s (74.6 s) and 196.1 s (75.8 s), respectively. Regardless of age, the adolescents distributed their brushing time unevenly across the inner, outer and occlusal surfaces. The inner surfaces in particular were neglected to a considerable extent, as no age group spent more than 15.8% of the total brushing time on them. Furthermore, all age groups showed a high proportion of horizontal movements on the inner and outer surfaces, regardless of the movements instructed for the respective surfaces.

CONCLUSION

Even if adolescents brush to the best of their abilities, they neglect or skip one or many of the tooth surfaces. The reasons for the lack of compliance to tooth brushing instructions are discussed in light of the methods used in prophylaxis programs and the influence of parents.

An ADePT evaluation for incorporating the TIPPS periodontal health intervention into primary care antenatal programmes to enhance infant birth weight in Palestine: a feasibility study

Background

A feasibility study was conducted to implement the Talk, Instruct, Practice, Plan and Support (TIPPS) intervention for pregnant women to enhance infant birth weight in a conflict area in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). The decision tool, A process for Decision-making after Pilot and feasibility Trials (ADePT), examines the methodological factors identified in a feasibility study, that may require modification for a full trial. Thus, this study aimed to use the ADePT decision tool to evaluate if the feasibility study had achieved its objectives and to identify the need for intervention, clinical context and trial design modification.

Methods

A one-arm, pretest–posttest feasibility study recruited 25 pregnant women in their first trimester and clinic staff from a primary healthcare clinic located in Gaza City, Palestine. The TIPPS periodontal health intervention was delivered by antenatal care nurses to the pregnant women during their regular follow-up appointments. The ADePT framework was applied to evaluate the findings from the feasibility study. The ADePT checklist demonstrated sample size estimation, recruitment, consent, intervention adherence, intervention acceptability, costs and duration, completion and appropriateness of outcome assessments, retention, logistics, and synergy between protocol components.

Results

All recruited pregnant women (25, aged 16–35 years old) consented to participate in the study, and the adherence to the intervention was 88% (22 women). The TIPPS intervention was acceptable, but there was ambivalence over who should deliver it in the clinic. Only the cost of toothbrushing and TIPPS information materials was calculated, while the cost of nurses’ time was not included. The missing values of data were few (12% of gingival bleeding data and 22% from infant birth weight data). This intervention significantly reduced the mean percentage of plaque and bleeding scores after 3 months. The sample size for future randomised controlled trial was estimated around 400 participants. The participants stated the value of the intervention. The clinic staff voiced concerns regarding time and the cost of nurses providing the TIPPS intervention. This allowed suggestions to be made regarding the modification of trial design and context of implementation.

Conclusions

The ADePT evaluation showed it was possible to progress to full trial with modifications in the trial design.

Understanding oral health disparities in children as a global public health issue: how dental health professionals can make a difference

Oral disease in children is an urgent public health issue worldwide. Early childhood caries (ECC) affects 600 million children globally, yet it is entirely preventable. Dental health professionals around the world need to act to improve use of measures to prevent ECC and of quality dental health care to improve oral health worldwide. The University of California/Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Children's Oral Health hosted an interprofessional innovation forum to discuss and recommend options. We present the policy, educational, and public health-related suggestions for improving outcomes and professional collaboration and five key areas for action: (1) increase advocacy efforts, (2) support interprofessional education and practice, (3) promote oral health education and increase health literacy, (4) increase collaboration with community and school-based oral health care workers, and (5) use of technology to increase access to dental care and health information.

Effect of a hospital-based oral health-education program on Iranian staff: evaluating a theory-driven intervention

BACKGROUND

Tooth decay and periodontitis are among the most prevalent dental diseases globally with adverse effects on an individual's general health. Recently the prevalence of dental caries has decreased significantly, but caries epidemiology remains a major problem in dental public health. This study investigated the impact of an oral health education intervention on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables, and whether changes in these variables persisted and were associated with changes in identified oral health behaviors at 2-month follow-up.

METHODS

This descriptive pre/post test study was conducted with 160 staff in the Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran. Six hospital wards were selected using a randomized multi-stratified sampling frame. The size for each cluster was calculated as 22 with each ward being allocated to either the intervention or the control arm of the study. Self-report questionnaires were used to evaluate socio-demographic factors, dental attendance as well as the constructs of the augmented TPB model (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control intentions). The intervention was an educational program based on TPB constructs delivered via direct training to half the participants. The control group was provided with usual training only. The independent-samples T-test, Repeated-Measures one-way ANOVA, and matched T-test with the significance level set at p < 0.05 were applied.

RESULTS

Findings revealed significant variations between the two groups immediately after the educational intervention concerning the attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions to seek treatment, oral health behavior as well as decayed, missing, and filled teeth and bleeding on probing (p<0.001). Two months after the intervention, except for the brushing construct (p = 0.18), the differences between the two groups were all statistically significant (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings affirm the positive effect an oral health education program has on enhancing the attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions and behavior of staff in this hospital. The results of our study confirm that developing and applying an educational intervention in accordance with the theory of planned behavior can lead to significant changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of hospital staff regarding preventing tooth decay.

Effectiveness of oral health education on 8- to 10-year-old school children in rural areas of the Magway Region, Myanmar

Background

Oral diseases are common and widespread around the world. The most common oral diseases are preventable, and early onset is reversible. Myanmar faces many challenges in rendering oral health services, because approximately 70% of the total population resides in rural areas. These relate to the availability and accessibility of oral health services. Therefore, oral health education is one key element to prevent oral diseases and to promote oral health.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was carried out at Basic Education Middle Schools in rural areas of Magway Township to study the effectiveness of oral health education on the knowledge and behavior of 8- to 10-year-old school children. A total of 220 school children, 110 from intervention schools and 110 from control schools, participated in this study from 2015 to 2017. Data were collected before and after intervention in the two groups by using a self-administered questionnaire. Tooth brushing method data were collected by direct observation with a checklist. Oral health education was provided at eight weekly intervals for 1 year. At one and a half years, third-time data collection was done on the intervention group to assess retention. Chi-square test, two samples t-test and one-way repeated measure ANOVA were used for data analysis. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Public Health in Yangon, Myanmar.

Results

There were significant differences between the two groups in four out of five knowledge questions (p < 0.05) and all behavior questions (p < 0.001) after intervention. A positive effect of oral health education for a period of 45 min at eight weekly intervals for 1 year was found in the intervention group. The intervention had a significant effect on the sustainability of the correct knowledge and behavior of the intervention group although the education session was stopped for 6 months (p < 0.001). Their mean knowledge and behavioral scores at three different points in time were (2.45 ± 1.12 and1.56 ± 0.90) at baseline, (3.79 ± 1.12 and 3.60 ± 1.21) at 1 year after education and (4.07 ± 0.98 and 3.24 ± 1.31) at 6 months after cessation of education, respectively.

Conclusions

Repeated oral health education was effective in promoting and sustaining oral health knowledge and behavior.

Efficacy of a Modified Audio-Tactile Performance Technique with Braille (ATPb) on the Oral Hygiene Status of Visually-Impaired Children

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the effectiveness of a modified audio-tactile performance (ATP) technique with braille (ATPb) on the oral health statuses of visually-impaired children.

STUDY DESIGN

Ninety visually-impaired institutionalized children received oral hygiene instructions using audio (AM), ATP or ATPb techniques. Plaque scores were assessed at baseline and after reinforcement and non-reinforcement periods.

RESULTS

In the totally visually-impaired, mean reductions in plaque scores in the ATPb, ATP and AM groups during the reinforcement period were 1.119 ± 0.260, 0.654 ± 0.239 and 0.237 ± 0.255, respectively (p <0.001), worsening to 0.107 ± 0.160, 0.083 ± 0.193 and -0.208 ± 0.267 during the non-reinforcement period (p <0.001), before culminating at 6 months at 1.227 ± 0.261, 0.737 ± 0.317 and 0.029 ± 0.108 (p <0.001). In partially visually-impaired children, reductions during the reinforcement period were 0.934 ± 0.279, 0.762 ± 0.270 and 0.118 ± 0.237, respectively, dropping to 0.176 ± 0.166, 0.083 ± 0.169 and -0.128 ± 0.114 without reinforcement and culminating at 1.109 ± 0.258, 0.845 ± 0.292 and -0.010 ± 0.226 (p <0.001). There were significant inter-group differences during the three periods (p <0.001), except in the ATP and ATPb groups during the non-reinforcement period for totally impaired (p = 0.157) and during reinforcement (p = 0.155) and non-reinforcement (p = 0.051) periods for partially impaired children.

CONCLUSIONS

All three techniques were successful when reinforced periodically. However, only ATP and ATPb were successful during periods without reinforcement. The modified audio-tactile performance technique with braille (ATPb) was most effective, allowing visually-impaired children to retain oral hygiene information without intervention.

Communication as a Key for Imparting Oral Health Knowledge in Special Needs Patients Attending Special Schools in Sangareddy District in Telangana

Aim and objective

To assess the oral health status of special health care needs children, adequacy of awareness on oral hygiene among their parents, and recognition of the critical role of teachers as oral health moderators.

Materials and methods

This study included 78, 4-15 years aged children of Government Special Schools, Sangareddy. Both parents and teachers took part in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was given to their parents, OHI-S score and DMFT/deft score of the children were noted followed by a dental health awareness program through customized charts and models.

Results

Out of 78 children, 89% of their parents showed a lack of awareness in providing dental care for their children. Only 6% visited a dental surgeon previously. 69% had treatment needs.

Conclusion

Communication plays an important role in bringing a change in the knowledge and rendering dental care for specially-abled children and actively promoting oral health care in the school curriculum.

How to cite this article

Vallala P, Prakhya UR, Kocherlakota DS, et al. Communication as a Key for Imparting Oral Health Knowledge in Special Needs Patients Attending Special Schools in Sangareddy District in Telangana. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S148-S150.

Comparison of oral health behaviour between dental and non-dental undergraduates in a university in southwestern China--exploring the future priority for oral health education

Background

Based on a national survey in 2015, people’s oral health behaviour (OHB) has not kept up with the pace of knowledge and attitudes in China after decades of oral health education (OHE). Thus, we need to improve OHE to strengthen people’s OHB. Undergraduates are regarded as the best candidates for the improvement of OHE. The objective of this study is to determine undergraduates’ oral health status and existing problems in OHB by comparing dental and non-dental students at Sichuan University. We hope to provide some suggestions for future OHE to improve people’s OHB.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study designed with a pre-test and post-test group was conducted. A total of 217 dental students and 135 non-dental students were enrolled. They were administered an OHE course focused on OHB. A survey about oral health behaviour and knowledge was conducted before and after the course.

Results

According to the pre-course survey, dental students surpassed non-dental students in terms of toothbrushing frequency, method, and time, but unfortunately, flossing was overlooked by all the students. After the course, both dental and non-dental students showed strong willingness to improve their OHB. More non-dental students than dental students were willing to use toothpicks and Chinese herbal toothpaste before and after the course.

Conclusions

OHE focused on behaviour has a positive effect on university students. Future OHE and interventions should focus on flossing, toothbrushing methods, toothpicks, Chinese herbal toothpaste and modifications to adopt new media.

Evaluation on the effectiveness of a peer led video on oral hygiene education in young children

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a peer-led oral hygiene education video in improving oral hygiene knowledge and behaviour in year 2 (6- to 7-year-old) and year 3 (7- to 8-year-old) children. A novel peer-led oral hygiene education video was created, in which a group of 6- to 10-year-old children delivered key oral hygiene messages. The video was then shown to children of the same age group, whom oral hygiene knowledge and behaviours were assessed before and after the video. Results found that the video was an effective method of improving overall oral hygiene knowledge. It was effective in improving specific aspects of oral hygiene such as knowledge of the frequency of brushing and toothpaste amount, and in the behaviour of using the toothbrush in a circular motion. It was not an effective method in improving the overall oral hygiene knowledge and behaviour of Year Two children, demonstrating children may develop significantly in just 1 year.

Effectiveness of school dental health education on the oral health status and knowledge of children: A systematic review

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of school dental health education on the oral health status, oral health-related knowledge, and practice behavior of 6-12-year-old children.

Methods

Hand search and electronic search based on the keywords on school dental health education in seven search engines till 2017 identified 7434 articles. Trials involving school-based dental health education with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were screened. Risk of bias assessment was done independently by two authors.

Results

Among the 18 articles which fulfilled the eligibility criteria, six were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 12 were non-RCTs. Quality assessment showed that 12 trials had a low risk of bias. Oral health-related knowledge improved in children. Oral health-related practice behaviors such as frequency and duration of brushing improved. Use of fluoridated toothpaste was increased. Plaque scores and gingival bleeding scores reduced.

Conclusion

School dental health education had a positive impact on the oral health status, knowledge, and practice behavior of children. There is a definite need for high-quality RCTs analyzing the effectiveness of school dental health education on specific oral health outcomes.

Maternal Knowledge of Oral Health of Children Aged 1-4 Years

INTRODUCTION

Knowledge of oral health (KOH) among mothers has an important influence on their children's oral habits and routines. Lack of maternal KOH had been related to the development of early childhood caries among preschool children.

AIM

To assess KOH among mothers of 1-4 year-olds.

STUDY DESIGN

Participating mothers completed a 3-part questionnaire on general demographic information, KOH of their children, and ranking of six food items according to their cariogenic potential.

RESULTS

Most of the 285 participating mothers had an academic education. Only 47% of the mothers correctly answered seven questions on KOH. The dentist was the main source for KOH. Most of the mothers (94.39%) were aware of the need to brush their children's teeth twice daily. Most of them (72.29%) did not know the correct fluoride concentration in their child's toothpaste. They ranked salty snacks as the least cariogenic food item. Most of the mothers were not aware that snacks and sweetened drinks should be consumed during meals, and two-thirds reported tasting food from their child's spoon.

CONCLUSION

Overall, mothers of toddlers lacked basic knowledge of oral health issues and practices to follow for the prevention of their children's caries.

Improving oral health in migrant and underserved populations: evaluation of an interactive, community-based oral health education program in Washington state

Objectives

Oral health is one of the greatest unmet health needs of migrant farmworkers and many migrant workers lack basic oral health knowledge. This paper presents evaluation results for an oral health education program designed to both increase knowledge concerning oral health practices and to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding oral health among migrant workers.

Methods

We used a pre-post uncontrolled design to assess the impact of the education program on participant knowledge about oral health practices. Changes in knowledge were assessed using a paper and pencil survey given to participants before the session began (pre) and at the end of the session (post). The pre-post survey was supplemented by qualitative information in the form of participant self-reported barriers and facilitators, and figure drawings illustrating their feelings about the state of their own oral health.

Results

There were 311 participants in 12 workshops held in 2017 throughout Washington State. There were statistically significant increases in knowledge for all of the pre/post survey questions. Questions with particularly large improvements included: the results of having a mouth infection, factors causing oral health problems, and whether children in low-income families experience more tooth decay.

Conclusions

An interactive, lay-led oral health education program can be an effective way to increase oral health knowledge in migrant populations. Recommendations for similar programs include using interactive approaches to engage participants, being open to learning and changing your own thinking, and using lay leaders for the education sessions.

Assessment of the oral health behavior, knowledge and status among dental and medical undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study

Background

It is widely accepted that oral health plays an important role in overall health. Both dental and medical students are expected to possess good oral health awareness and work together for public oral health promotion especially in developing countries like China. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health knowledge, behavior and status of dental and medical undergraduate students in the first (fresh) and third year (before specialized courses) study.

Methods

A self-administered structured questionnaire with 13 questions was designed based on oral health knowledge, behavior and status and a cross-sectional study was conducted among the 1st, 3rd year dental students (1DS, 3DS) and medical students (1MS, 3MS) of Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, in the period of September–December 2017. The data was analyzed by chi-square test using IBM SPSS Statistics v. 21.0.

Results

The oral health behavior, consciousness and status of the 1st, 3rd year medical and dental students were not optimistic. Dental freshmen were slightly superior to the medical ones in terms of the brushing methods and the awareness of oral disease-systemic disease relationship. The junior dental students showed highly significant improvement than their counterparts, mainly in the items about frequency of brushing teeth, brushing methods of vertical scrub or Bass technique (66.3%), usage of floss or mouth wash (49.7%), causes of caries, periodontal diseases and system diseases (56.9–83.4%). The rates mentioned above were 36.1, 15.8%, 26.7–43.6% among 3MS, respectively. In terms of oral health status, significant differences were only observed in junior students. The prevalence rates of bad breath, gum bleeding, and tooth discoloration among 3DS were obviously lower than those of 3MS. However, only a total of 17.2% junior students had a good oral health, including 23.8% dental students and 11.4% medical students.

Conclusions

Our study provided a new understanding of oral health knowledge, behavior and status among dental and medical students, which may help to promote the reform of oral health education and establish a model for clinicians and dentists to work together for improving oral health.

Impact of an oral health education intervention among a group of patients with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa)

BACKGROUND

It is recognized that eating disorders are serious psychosocial illnesses that affect many adolescents and adults. A pre and post survey study was developed to assess demographics, oral health knowledge and self-image of patients with eating disorders participating in a hospital-based eating disorder clinic using an original oral health education program. The program's aim is to change the self-image and oral health practices of patients with anorexia-binge eating/purging (AN-BP) and bulimia nervosa (BN) disorders.

METHODS

A pre-survey was completed by each study participant prior to attending the three educational sessions over a six-week period. A post survey questionnaire was completed after participation in all the educational presentations. Forty-six patients attended all three educational sessions and completed the pre and post-questionnaires.

RESULTS

Most patients knew in advance that AN-BP and BN behavior can cause erosion of the teeth but only 30% knew the most likely location for the erosion to occur. But, following completion of the educational interventions, 73% answered the location correctly. Patients who reported going to the dentist regularly were significantly more likely to respond that their teeth/mouth had a positive effect on how they looked to themselves and to others, their general health, and their general happiness. Positive responses to the effect of the teeth/mouth on kissing and romantic relationships were also significantly higher for those who go to the dentist regularly compared to those who do not.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to further understand AN-BP and BP patients' oral health knowledge and self-image perceptions as it relates to their smile (teeth, mouth) to assist in developing a standardized oral health program for eating disorder centers to implement into their daily curricula. A dental team member in an interdisciplinary eating disorder treatment team is important. Including an oral health education program improves patients' oral hygiene and oral health knowledge, as well as provides a supportive environment to empower the patients to take control of their overall oral health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was retrospectively registered on April 18, 2019 in ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03921632.

The impact of anticipatory guidance on early childhood caries: a quasi-experimental study

Background

This study evaluated the impact of anticipatory guidance on the caries incidence of 2–3-year-old preschool children and their 4–6-year-old siblings, as well as on their mothers’ oral health literacy, as compared to the conventional Ministry of Health (MOH) programme.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was conducted at two government dental clinics in Batu Pahat District, Malaysia. The samples comprised of 478 mother-child-sibling trios (233 families in the intervention group, and 245 families in the control group). An oral health package named the Family Dental Wellness Programme (FDWP) was designed to provide dental examinations and oral health education through anticipatory guidance technique to the intervention group at six-month intervals over 3 years. The control group received the standard MOH oral health education activities. The impact of FDWP on net caries increment, caries prevented fraction, and mother’s oral health literacy was assessed after 3 years of intervention.

Results

Children and siblings in the intervention group had a significantly lower net caries increment (0.24 ± SD0.8; 0.20 ± SD0.7) compared to the control group (0.75 ± SD1.2; 0.55 ± SD0.9). The caries prevented fraction for FDWP was 68% for the younger siblings and 63.6% for the older children. The 2–3-year-old children in the intervention group had a significantly lower incidence of white spot lesions than their counterpart (12% vs 25%, p < 0.05). At three-year follow-up, there were significant increments in the oral health literacy scores of mothers in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The FDWP is more effective than the standard MOH programme in terms of children’s and siblings’ caries incidence and mother’s oral health literacy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03478748. Registered on March 26th 2018. Retrospectively registered.

Effect of an oral health education program based on the use of quantitative light-induced fluorescence technology in Uzbekistan adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine whether an oral health education program using a Qscan device based on quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology could improve the oral hygiene status and oral health literacy of adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred adolescents aged 14-16 years attending a school in Tashkent city were included in this study. The participants were assigned to the following two groups using permuted block randomization technique: (i) control group (traditional learning) and (ii) experimental group (Qscan device-based learning). The participants included in the experimental group received additional education and training on dental plaque removal using the Qscan device. The accumulated levels of plaque were assessed in all participants, who also completed questionnaires about their oral health status, oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior during an 8-week period.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group in the plaque index (0.46 vs 0.07, p < .05), oral health knowledge (19.4 vs 28.8, p < .05), attitude (16.7 vs 20.2, p < .05), and behavior (19.9 vs 30.5, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated that an oral health education program based on the use of QLF technology could be useful for improving the oral hygiene status and oral health literacy of adolescents in Uzbekistan.

Impact of Dental Health Education on "Specific Learning Needs" Children

Introduction: This article compares and evaluates the effect of dental health education through schoolteachers and dental health professionals to “specific learning needs” children attending special school.

Materials and methods: A total of 71 “specific learning needs” children attending special school participated in the study. The baseline oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) for all the participants was recorded. The training of schoolteachers was done using audiovisual and verbal methods on dental health facts and how to provide instructions on oral hygiene measures for reinforcing to the students. The students were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 – No further dental health education by the schoolteachers or by the dental professionals was given to these students after the initial oral health education. Group 2 – In this group, the trained teachers taught students about the importance of oral health and demonstrated them brushing technique at intervals of 15 days, 1 month and 3 months. Group 3 – The dental professionals imparted dental health education and also demonstrated brushing techniques to these students at intervals of 15 days, 1 month and 3 months. Six months following the intervention a second examination was done to find out the OHI-S scores. Data analysis were done with Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical test.

Results: Group 2 demonstrated significant decline in OHI-S scores after intervention and all the three groups showed a statistically significant difference between the baseline OHI-S score and the scores after 6 months.

Conclusion: Schoolteachers can be utilized for reinforcing dental health education among “specific learning needs” children effectively.

How to cite this article: Relwani AH, Kiran S, Bhatt R, Patel M. Impact of Dental Health Education on “Specific Learning Needs” Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):31-34.

Teachers' knowledge about oral health and their interest in oral health education in Hail, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

To assess the dental health knowledge and the interest of secondary school teachers in imparting oral health education in Hail, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

It was a questionnaire based cross-sectional survey of secondary school teachers in Hail, Saudi Arabia, carried out from November 2014 to January 2015. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to determine teachers' oral health knowledge and their interest in participating in oral health education of school children. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 statistical software.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty three secondary school teachers responded to the survey. Results showed that about 80 to 90 % of teachers had sufficient knowledge of causes and prevention of dental caries and gingivitis. About 94% of teachers agreed that they can play an effective role in oral health promotion while 96% were found to be interested in performing additional duty as oral health promoter. A large majority (91.9 %) had the opinion that oral health education must be included in school curriculum.

CONCLUSION

Teachers in Hail region had adequate amount of knowledge regarding oral health, and they were interested to play their role in promoting oral health education. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to include dental health education in curriculum at secondary school level and to provide sufficient training to teachers to enable them to participate actively in oral health promotion activities.

Effect of Conventional and Game-based Teaching on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of conventional and game-based teaching on the level of knowledge and practice regarding oral hygiene among 7 to 10-year-old school children.

Materials and methods: A total of 60 children aged 8 to 10 years were randomly divided into two groups: groups A and B. The intervention was started after the pretest evaluation of their knowledge regarding oral health and estimation of Debris Index-simplified (DI-S). Children in group A were given oral health education through flash cards once daily for 7 days. Children in group B were educated through the play-way method, i.e. connect the dots game combined with flash cards. The evaluations, regarding oral hygiene and DI-S were recorded on the 8th day after intervention. A follow-up score was also recorded after 1 and 3 months. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test and Chi-square test.

Results: There was significant increase in oral hygiene scores and decrease in debris scores compared to baseline in both groups at 1 week and 1 month. At 3 months interval, both groups showed a decrease in oral hygiene scores from baseline with group B showing highly significant reduction. The mean increase in knowledge score was also significantly better in group B (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The connect the dots game that includes oral health guidelines including good dental hygiene and dietary habits can thus be an effective intervention aid for teaching the basic oral health concepts among school going children.

How to cite this article: Kumar Y, Asokan S, John B, Gopalan T. Effect of Conventional and Game-based Teaching on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(2):123-126.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of school teachers towards oral health in pondicherry

BACKGROUND

School teachers by virtue of their training can influence a large number of children thereby play major role in the planning and implementation of oral health preventive programs. Hence, this study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of school teachers towards oral health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among school teachers of the city of Pondicherry. A structured questionnaire was used and 212 teachers were assessed on their knowledge on oral health, attitude and practice regarding their personal oral health, attitude regarding oral health of children and status of oral health education at the schools. All data collected was entered into SPSS version 21.0.

RESULTS

Around 47% of the participants felt that bacteria and sugar are the main causes of dental caries, while 42% felt that plaque and calculus are the main agents for periodontal disease. Around 82.5% teachers brushed twice daily. However, only 32% felt it is necessary to visit dentist regularly. While 86% of the teachers felt that children's teeth should be checked by dentist, only 51% agreed that it is their duty to impart oral health education to the students.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge regarding oral health among school teachers was fair. Oral Health education must be imparted to preschool and primary school teachers as a part of National Oral Health care Program on a regular basis and further studies must be done to assess their awareness levels and make the necessary changes in further education modules.

School-based oral health-education program using experiential learning or traditional lecturing in adolescents: a clinical trial

The aim of this project was to compare the effectiveness of experiential learning (EL) and traditional lecturing (TL) school-based oral health education on the oral health knowledge, attitude, habits, oral hygiene, gingival health and caries incidence of 13-year-old Greek children. Eighty-seven children for the EL group and 80 for the TL group were selected from two areas of Greece. Information on oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviours were obtained using a questionnaire. Dental plaque was recorded using a modified hygiene index, gingivitis was assessed using the simplified gingival index and dental caries was measured by recording the number of Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) using the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry (BASCD) criteria. All children were examined by two calibrated dentists, using a World Health Organisation (WHO) periodontal probe and artificial light. Questionnaires were delivered and clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 6 and 18 months post-intervention. The EL oral health educational programme was implemented by teachers using the programme's manual. Oral health knowledge had improved significantly (P < 0.001) in both groups at 6 and 18 months post-intervention. Oral health behaviour (P < 0.001) and attitude (P < 0.05) had improved significantly at 6 months, and oral hygiene and gingival health had improved significantly at both 6 (P < 0.001) and 18 (P < 0.05) months for the EL group. Lower caries incidence was recorded for the EL group, 18 months post-intervention (P < 0.05). School-based oral health EL for adolescents was found to be more effective than TL in improving oral health attitude and behaviour at 6 months, in improving oral hygiene and gingival health at both 6 and 18 months and in reducing caries incidence 18 months post-intervention.

The effectiveness of oral health education conducted at a rural community market setting

BACKGROUND

The workplace is one of the avenues for educating the public about their oral health in developing countries; particularly in rural communities where the workplace plays a major role in communal living. It is therefore necessary to find out if the market is appropriate for achieving the set aim of improving oral health awareness among the populace in rural communities.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of oral health education conducted in a market in a rural community by comparing the oral health practices of market women involved in the oral health education programme to those not involved in the programme.

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

A rural community in South-western Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective interventional study was conducted among market women in Igboora, a rural community in South-western Nigeria. The intervention was oral health education differentiating between the intervention group and the control group. Structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information from the participants on their oral hygiene measures, fluoride use, dental attendance and the demographics of the participants. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS and p-value set at <0.05.

RESULTS

Two hundred market women participated in the study with a mean age of 45.2 ± 17 years. The interventional group was made up of 106 market women while the control group was made up of 94 market women. There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of women in both the intervention and control groups. Women in the intervention group engaged in more frequent cleaning of their teeth and tongue than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Market women who had participated in the oral health education subsequently visited the dentist more often than those in the control group (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

The study showed that oral health education conducted at a market was effective in improving some oral health practices of participants. It is recommended that oral health practices be extended to major markets in our communities.