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Can a workplace preventive programme affect periodontal health?
M R Fishwick1, F P Ashley, R F Wilson
1Haringey Healthcare NHS Trust, Dental Department, Tynemouth Road Health Centre, London.
British Dental Journal
|May 15, 1998
Summary
A workplace oral health campaign significantly reduced gingival bleeding and probing depths in adults. This program demonstrates clinical effectiveness for the primary care dental team.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Dentistry
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Workplace health promotion is crucial for adult populations.
- Oral health awareness campaigns can impact employee well-being.
- Primary care dental teams are well-positioned to deliver such interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an oral health awareness campaign in an adult workplace setting.
- To assess the impact of the campaign on key oral health indicators.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted in four matched workplaces in north-east London.
- 98 healthy employees participated, with two oral examinations six weeks apart.
- Gingival bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depths (PD) were measured.
Main Results:
- The test group showed a significant reduction in BOP (56% to 25%) compared to the control group (46% to 48%).
- Probing depths of 4 mm and above decreased in the test group (38% to 25%) and remained stable in the control group (28% to 25%).
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between the groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- A workplace-based oral health awareness campaign is clinically effective.
- The campaign is suitable for implementation by primary care dental teams.
- Workplace interventions can improve adult oral health outcomes.