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The Head Start dental component: evaluation of an urban program
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|July 1, 1986
Summary
This study assessed Head Start dental program compliance for children aged 3-5. While curriculum standards were met, clinical care compliance varied, though essential dental services were provided.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- Head Start programs aim to provide comprehensive services to low-income children.
- Dental health is a critical component of early childhood development and overall well-being.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of dental services within Head Start is essential for ensuring child health equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the compliance of Head Start centers with established dental care standards.
- To evaluate the provision of annual dental examinations, topical fluoride, and follow-up care for children aged 3-5.
- To examine the quality of oral cleanliness, restoration, and the integration of a dental curriculum.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a health record audit for 564 children across eight Head Start centers.
- Performed clinical assessments of oral cleanliness, care needs, and restoration quality on a sample of 178 children.
- Utilized standardized evaluation procedures with dual examiners and World Health Organization (WHO) and Ryge's criteria.
Main Results:
- 74% of children received dental examinations; 24% required care for caries.
- 85% of children needing care received it. Mean oral cleanliness score was 2.47.
- 94% of restorations were acceptable; the dental curriculum met program standards.
Conclusions:
- Head Start centers showed variable compliance with clinical dental care standards.
- Despite compliance gaps, the program successfully delivered crucial dental services to underserved children.
- The dental curriculum effectively met program requirements, supporting oral health education.