Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral health care programs in 3 school-based oral health care center among primary schoolchildren. Methods: School-based oral health care programs included fluoride mouth rinsing, pit and fissure sealing for permanent premolars and molars, fluoride gel application and chewing of xylitol candy. All of the programs were carried out by one dental hygienist among 'D' primary schoolchildren in Daegu city under the supervision of a dentist. Baseline dental examinations were completed and preventive care was implemented for 544 children during one year. All of the children visited a school-based oral health care center every three months for a regular check-up. The final oral examination was conducted from March 15 to April 1, 2004. The data analysis data was made on the basis of SAS 8.01. Mean differences between 2003 and 2004 data were compared by paired t-test. Corresponding p-values were considered significant at values less than 0.05. Results: The DMF rate and DFT index were reduced to 8.0% and 8.4% during one year respectively, but there were no statistically significant differences. The DMF rate was significantly reduced (16.3%) after a one year program of school-based oral health care practice. The DMFT(Decay Missing Filling Tooth) index was also reduced compared to 2003 throughout the entire grade. Conclusion: School-based oral health care programs can reduce the prevalence of dental caries prevalence among schoolchildren during one year. This program also improved the oral health capacity of schoolchildren. It is recommend that the school-based oral health care program should be extended to every primary school in Korea.

Keywords

• school oral health care program;
• school-based oral health care center;
• caries prevalence