Assessment of Oral Health Promotion Programs in Schools and their Long-Term Effects

Abstract

Background: School-based oral health promotion initiatives are essential for enhancing children's and teenagers' oral health outcomes. However, the long-term efficacy of these initiatives is yet unknown.

Methods: Over the course of a year, 500 children between the ages of 6 and 12 years participated in prospective observational research. Two groups of 250 participants each-the intervention group and the control group-were created. While the control group only got basic oral health information, the intervention group participated in a full program aimed at promoting oral health. Over the course of 2 years, baseline data on the participants' oral health condition were gathered, and follow-up evaluations were carried out every 6 months.

Results: At the 12-month follow-up, the intervention group showed a substantial decrease in dental caries prevalence (15.2% vs. 23.6%, P < 0.001) as compared to the control group. In addition, the intervention group showed better oral hygiene habits than the control group (P < 0.001), such as decreased plaque index and more frequent brushing. In conclusion, school-based initiatives to promote oral health are successful in enhancing children's and adolescents' long-term dental health outcomes. These initiatives are essential in lowering the prevalence of dental caries and encouraging good oral hygiene habits. Ensuring the long-term dental health and well-being of future generations requires sustained investment in school-based oral health promotion efforts.

Keywords: Intervention; long-term impacts; oral health promotion; schools; tertiary care.