Pediatric Oral Health Promotion in Primary Care Utilizing Standardized Education
Abstract
Dental caries, or tooth decay, is experienced by 60-90% of children. The incidence increases in
high-risk children, such as those from low socio-economic backgrounds who have limited access
to dental care. A quasi-experimental, non-randomized quality improvement project was
conducted to increase positive oral health habits in preschool aged children, specifically twice
daily brushing and reduction of sugary drink consumption, by promoting standardized oral health
education in primary care, in order to reduce the disease burden of dental caries experienced by
this population. This evidence-based project involved children aged 2-5 years old and their
caregivers. The intervention of this project was to provide a standardized oral health care
education bundle to families (Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me), consisting of a child-friendly video,
educational information for caregivers, and child-focused activities. The intervention was
provided to 54 families at a pediatric primary care office. The outcome measures were to
increase the number of children who are brushing their teeth twice daily and to decrease the
number of sugary drinks consumed by the child, when compared to children who are receiving
standard education. After statistical analysis, the results of this project showed significant
improvement in increasing teeth brushing and decreasing sugary drink consumption.
Degree
D.N.P.
Thesis Department
Rights
Open Access (fully available)
Copyright retained by author