Exploring the potential of a school brushing program using a connected brush in underserved areas: a feasibility...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Pediatric Oral Health

Background:

• School-based health programs can improve child wellness.
• Smart, connected devices offer novel approaches to health behavior modification.
• Feasibility studies are crucial for implementing new health technologies in educational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a school-based oral hygiene program using smart, connected toothbrushes.
• To evaluate the acceptability and engagement of children, parents, and schools with the intervention.
• To explore the potential of digital health tools in promoting children's brushing habits.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial involving 6 primary schools in Manchester, UK.
• Children aged 8-11 years used smart toothbrushes tracking coverage, duration, and frequency.
• Intervention arms included a digital dashboard for teachers and optional text message support for parents.

Main Results:

• A 54.3% consent rate and 36.8% baseline measurement completion rate were achieved.
• The intervention demonstrated high acceptability, with parents rating ease of use and enjoyment highly (8.7/10 and 8.9/10).
• Low dropout rate (1 participant) and high parent recommendation rate (91.6%) suggest strong feasibility.

Conclusions:

• The smart toothbrush intervention is feasible and well-accepted in a school setting.
• Factors like gamification and visual cues may enhance children's engagement.
• Future research should focus on quantifying oral health outcomes and improving data collection.