[Effectiveness educational programs for school dental health. Experimental trial]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Dental Health Educational Programs (DHEPs) are crucial for preventive oral care in children.
• Understanding the impact of psycho-social factors on DHEPs effectiveness is essential for optimizing oral health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of DHEPs in Venezuelan schools.
• To assess the influence of psycho-social characteristics on children's gingival health improvements.

Main Methods:

• A limited-scope experimental study involving 296 children aged 6-12 in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
• Randomized distribution into experimental (instruction/supervision/reinforcement/stimulation) and control (instruction/supervision) groups over six months.
• Assessment using Plaque Index and Gingival Index, considering psycho-social profiles and developmental stages (Massler's classification).

Main Results:

• Reinforcement and motivation positively impacted gingival health, but results varied based on psycho-social characteristics.
• Material living conditions and developmental stage significantly influenced the adoption of preventive behaviors.
• The experimental group showed changes in gingival health, influenced by the intervention's psycho-social components.

Conclusions:

• Psycho-social factors are critical determinants in the success of preventive dental health programs.
• Tailoring educational approaches to children's material conditions and developmental stages can enhance behavior assimilation.
• Effective DHEPs require integrating motivational and reinforcement strategies alongside basic instruction.