Stefan Zimmer1, Filiz Su1, Enis Su1. 1. Abt. für Zahnerhaltung und Präventive Zahnmedizin, Universität Witten/Herdecke Department für Zahnmedizin, Witten.
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a low-threshold disease prevention offer in a pilot project for employees Methodology: Employees of a company working in office or on production (n=144; 90 women, 54 men) with an average age of 39.25 (StA 11.5) years were interviewed and clinically examined using a questionnaire on habits and knowledge in the prevention of dental diseases. The oral hygiene indices Papillae Bleeding Index (PBI) and the modified Approximal Plaque Index (mAPI) as well as exploratory depth measurements (STM) were collected. Subsequently, a training in dental disease prevention was carried out with a specially produced video as well as the provision of sugar-free chewing gum and mouthwash solutions for twice daily use for a period of one year. After one year, the questionnaire was again issued and the clinical parameters were collected. The study was approved by the UW/H Ethics Committee. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 26. RESULTS: 85 patients with an average age of 39.23 (StD 11.3) years could be examined after one year (59 women, 26 men). The analysis of the questionnaire showed a significant improvement in oral health behavior. The corresponding total score improved from 10.68 (1.93) to 9.97 (1.60) (p<0.05). The PBI improved from 0.43 (0.40) to 0.31 (0.36) (p<0.05), the mAPI from 1.54 (0.51) to 1.35 (0.39) (p<0.01). The STM was reduced from 1.83 (0.39) to 1.56 (0.36) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The dental disease prevention program for employees appears suitable for implementation at workplace and has shown significant improvements in oral health behavior as well as in clinical parameters. Thieme. All rights reserved.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a low-threshold disease prevention offer in a pilot project for employees Methodology: Employees of a company working in office or on production (n=144; 90 women, 54 men) with an average age of 39.25 (StA 11.5) years were interviewed and clinically examined using a questionnaire on habits and knowledge in the prevention of dental diseases. The oral hygiene indices Papillae Bleeding Index (PBI) and the modified Approximal Plaque Index (mAPI) as well as exploratory depth measurements (STM) were collected. Subsequently, a training in dental disease prevention was carried out with a specially produced video as well as the provision of sugar-free chewing gum and mouthwash solutions for twice daily use for a period of one year. After one year, the questionnaire was again issued and the clinical parameters were collected. The study was approved by the UW/H Ethics Committee. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 26. RESULTS: 85 patients with an average age of 39.23 (StD 11.3) years could be examined after one year (59 women, 26 men). The analysis of the questionnaire showed a significant improvement in oral health behavior. The corresponding total score improved from 10.68 (1.93) to 9.97 (1.60) (p<0.05). The PBI improved from 0.43 (0.40) to 0.31 (0.36) (p<0.05), the mAPI from 1.54 (0.51) to 1.35 (0.39) (p<0.01). The STM was reduced from 1.83 (0.39) to 1.56 (0.36) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The dental disease prevention program for employees appears suitable for implementation at workplace and has shown significant improvements in oral health behavior as well as in clinical parameters. Thieme. All rights reserved.