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Published on: December 31, 2017
Dental hygiene work in a clinical trial
H S Luís1, I Morgado, V Assunção
1Faculdade de Medicina Dentária da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. henrique.luis@fmd.ul.pt
International Journal of Dental Hygiene
|September 5, 2008
Summary
Implementing dental hygiene activities significantly improved oral health in school children, reducing plaque index and promoting lifelong healthy habits. This community program demonstrated success in enhancing dental care awareness and practices.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Preventive Dentistry
Background:
- A randomized clinical trial investigating mercury exposure from dental amalgam restorations identified poor oral hygiene among participants.
- This necessitated the development of dental hygiene activities to address immediate oral health issues within the study population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To promote oral health and prevent new dental diseases through clinical and community interventions.
- To provide education on oral health within a school environment for participants and their peers.
Main Methods:
- Dental hygienists provided clinical services including prophylaxis, sealant application, and topical fluoride treatments.
- A community program featured in-class sessions on oral health, twice-monthly fluoride mouthrinses, and bi-annual tooth brushing instruction.
- Program success was evaluated by participation rates, sealant integrity, and dental plaque index scores.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in dental plaque index scores (P < 0.0001) indicated improved dental hygiene.
- Sealant integrity was maintained in 86.3% of treated teeth, with only 13.7% requiring restoration or being lost.
- Children actively participated, and teachers integrated oral health into school curricula, demonstrating program impact.
Conclusions:
- Dental hygiene activities effectively promoted better dental hygiene and overall oral health in school-aged children.
- The program provided valuable education on lifelong healthy habits, contributing to the future well-being of participants.
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