Analysis of Successful Implementation of Oral Health Programmes in Schools in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Although the prevalence of dental caries can still be considered high in some parts of the globe, the impact of oral health programmes implemented to address caries in children is evident. This dissertation addresses learnings from the study of dental health programmes in Southeast Asia. Seventeen studies were included in this review. All studies were quantitative; six were non-experimental, five experimental, five quasiexperimental, and one comprised a cost-effective analysis. Reducing prevalence and risk of dental caries, lowering the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth, improving oral hygiene and frequency of tooth brushing, increasing knowledge, attitude, motivation as well as oral health literacy, and improving the quality of life by reducing the oral impact on daily life are observed results on school children who have attended different oral health programmes in the selected countries considered. Therefore, organized dental care and oral health education through oral health programmes can be substantiated in developing good oral health behaviour in children especially promoting brushing behaviour and prevent dental caries. In order for a programme to succeed, the following was concluded on the basis observed successes and barriers provide preventive care for screening and referral will not be enough, ensure full integration of oral health into public health promotion and school health programme, establish strategic planning of scaling up, there should be continuous training of personnel and volunteers, develop sustainable behaviour and self-efficacy and lastly, exemplary implementation and compliance to protocol is necessary.