Initial impact of a national dental education program on the oral health and dental knowledge of children.

Oral health educational programs have been reported to have a variable impact on the oral health status of program participants. This paper reports the impact of an educational oral health program conducted within a single Boys & Girls Club of America. The objective of this 4-week examiner-blind study was to determine the impact of the educational program on the gingival health (gingivitis and plaque) of participating children who were between the ages of 5 and 15. The multi-week program taught the participants the basics of oral biology and disease, as well as proper oral health prevention including oral hygiene, dietary modification, and the importance of visiting the dentist. A calibrated examiner measured whole mouth Loe-Silness Gingival Index (GI) and Turesky Modification of Quigley-Hein Plaque index (PI) at baseline (immediately prior to the initiation of the educational program) and 4 weeks later. The primary efficacy analysis was based on change from baseline for 75 subjects who were enrolled at baseline, participated in the educational program, and were examined 4 weeks later. Mean baseline GI score was 0.37, while the 4 week mean GI score was reduced to 0.18. This represents a 51% reduction in GI score with p<0.001. Mean baseline PI score was 3.80, while the 4 week mean PI score was reduced to 2.68. This represents a 29% reduction in PI score with p<0.001. In addition, subjects completed a questionnaire (5 questions) at baseline and at 4 weeks to assess their oral health knowledge. The subject population was found to have statistically significantly (p<0.05) greater knowledge with respect to optimal brushing time and optimal frequency of dental recall visits following the program at week 4. Collectively, these data support the role of the educational program in promoting improved oral health in these children over a one month period.