An evidence-based oral health promotion programme: Lessons from Leicester

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Leicester faces significant challenges with child dental decay, particularly among preschool children.
• High ethnic diversity and deprivation levels in Leicester contribute to oral health disparities.
• Over a third of 3-year-olds and half of 5-year-olds exhibit obvious dental decay.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the establishment and strategic approach of a local oral health promotion program in Leicester (2013-2017).
• To analyze the evolution, design, and evaluation of the oral health program.
• To identify lessons learned from implementing a community-based dental health initiative.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive account of the program's development and implementation.
• Author commentary on the program's origins, design, and evaluation.
• Analysis of strategic approaches in a diverse and deprived urban setting.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant 8% decrease in dental decay among 5-year-olds in Leicester was observed between 2011/2012 and 2014/2015.
• Initial progress indicates a positive impact on child oral health outcomes.
• Further development is needed to achieve the strategic goal of a 10% reduction in dental decay.

Conclusions:

• Effective leadership and a multi-agency partnership approach were crucial for program success.
• Collaborative efforts facilitated the integration of effective oral health concepts.
• Long-term sustainability of the oral health improvement program remains a key challenge.