Implementation of Oral Health Educational Program on Orphan Children

Background: Dental caries is a lifetime disease, with highest priority risk group between 11-14 years of age group. Environmental factors such as culture, socioeconomic status, life style and dietary pattern can have a greater impact on caries-resistance or development. It has been well-documented in dentistry and other health areas that correct health information or knowledge alone does not necessarily lead to desirable health behaviors. However knowledge gained may serve as a tool to empower population groups with accurate information about health and health care technologies, enabling them to take action to protect their health. According to global review of oral health, despite great improvements in the oral health of populations in several countries, the oral problem persists. This is particularly among underprivileged groups, in both developed and developing countries. One of the known high-risk groups is orphans. An orphan is defined as a child under 18 years, who has lost his father, mother, or both In developing countries like Egypt, there is little access to oral healthcare due to a lack of knowledge, insufficient financial resources, and inadequate dental manpower in the national healthcare system Aim of the study: is to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education programs on knowledge and practice of participated orphan children Materials and Methods: A specially designed questionnaire was used to assess the dental problems and existing oral hygiene maintenance practice among children between 6 - 12 years of age (n=80) in orphanages. DMFT [Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index (for permanent teeth)] and dft [ decayed filled teeth index ( for primary teeth) ], pre- and post-interventional intra-oral examinations was carried out to check their oral hygiene status which included and OHIS (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index).

Information regarding tooth cleaning habits was obtained by a questionnaire to the children themselves, before, immediately and after 6 months.

Statistical analysis Collected data will be analyzed using SPSS software

Inclusion criteria

• Orphan children aged between 6-12 years old

Exclusion criteria

• children suffering from any systemic diseases acute or chronic, congenital abnormalities, psychological or behavioral problems, or receiving medications