[An evaluation of oral health promotion programs at the work site]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health promotion activities at the work site, for three years. The subjects were 486 workers (men, 340; women, 146) and the mean age was 27.0. We examined the oral health status of the subjects once a year for three years from 1997 to 1999. We also asked them to complete questionnaires on oral health symptoms and health behavior. After oral health examinations, oral health education programs were provided at the work site. The following results were obtained. 1. During the three years, the oral health symptoms of the workers decreased, and the number of workers who practiced good oral health behavior increased. 2. No difference was observed on the status of teeth during the three years, but the oral hygiene and the periodontal status of the subjects improved significantly (p < 0.001). 3. The participant rate for oral health education programs was 15.8%. Workers who had better oral health status and health behavior had a higher participation rate in the education programs. 4. The workers who participated in dental education programs used interdental brushes more often than those without education programs. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Oral health promotion programs at the work site were usually provided using a group approach. But to enhance oral health awareness, combination with individual approaches might be necessary.