Effect evaluation of an oral health education programme in primary schools in Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the clinical oral health outcome effects among schoolchildren participating in a school‐based oral health education (OHE) programme. Local social, cultural and environmental conditions were determinants of the school‐based OHE programme, which was compiled on the basis of prevailing beliefs and on what teachers and educational authorities considered to be important for the oral health of schoolchildren. Consequently, the practical aspects of oral hygiene and information on the cause and prevention of caries and gingivitis were the components of oral health education. The teachers were prepared to carry out weekly supervised toothbrushing sessions and monthly lessons on aspects of oral health for the school year in grade 4. Eight participating schools were selected for the clinical effect evaluation and four non‐participating schools served as the control. In total, 309 children from the participating schools and 122 children from the non‐participating schools were available for the evaluation. Their ages varied between 9 and 14 years. The mean plaque score, calculus score and gingival bleeding score at baseline and at follow‐up examinations 3, 8, 15 and 36 months later were not significantly different for participating schools and controls. The mean DMFT value at baseline was 0.4 and 3 years later 0.9 in both the participating and control schools. In conclusion, the present study shows that the implemented school‐based OHE programme did not result in significant reductions of the clinical parameters measured.

Oral health behavior and prevalence of dental caries among 12-year-old school-children in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

“…Continuity and perfection of tooth brushing practice among children is believed to take place in schools where teachers are seen as the main instructors. Good instructions for example by teachers yield good results but not so long standing and therefore the role of parents need to be emphasized (16). In the present study about one third of the children just learnt by themselves on how to brush.…”

“…In contrast to the countries of developed market economy where the provision of preventive dental health services is well established, many children in Tanzania don't access preventive dental services, dental awareness is still low and fluoridated toothpaste is not accessible to every child (6,16). Therefore, dental caries 5 prevalence is anticipated to increase following increased exposure to the determinants of dental caries (6), and even by not controlling the already existing low exposure with increasing time (18).…”

Impact of school-based oral health education program on oral health of 12 and 15 years old school children

“…[21] and Helderman, et al . [22] found no significant reduction in plaque scores. Gingival bleeding is commonly used to evaluate the status of oral hygiene of children.…”

“…[919] Reduction in the mean caries status of the study subjects was insignificant, which is in agreement with the results of the studies. [9181922]…”

New curriculum in dentistry for Tanzania: Competency-based education for patient and population health (2008–2011)

“…These workers deliver prevention education as they interact with large segments of the population in an attempt to reduce the need for costly dental services. 42,43 In district hospitals, dentists with clinical training often take on leadership and management roles, integrating treatment of dental disease into overall health care. They train and supervise entry-level providers of dental care (dental assistants).…”