Meeting abstract
Caries Prevention in First Grade Schoolchildren in Zagreb
V. Barac-Furtinger
V. Juhović-Markus
N. Zdilar-Černy
Abstract
Contemporary studies have shown that oral health education is more effective when it is prevention-oriented rather than disease oriented. The implemented program aimed at including all first grade aged children and making them familiar with the basies of oral health protection through the educational program. The program included 7.000 first grade aged children in primary schools in Zagreb. During the compulsory check-up required for enrolment in school, their dentist established the oral health status on a unified printed form. In the first school days, a nurse, previously additionally educated in oral health prevention, gave an oral health education lecture, and immediately after the lecture the children participated in a children`s workshop by colouring the colouring books. Parent’s involvement was achieved through colouring books and a special bulletin prepared and sent to them. Two months later, the lecture and the workshop with a slightly extended program were repeated. A new bulletin was prepared for the parents. The check-up of children for establishing their eligibility for enrolment in the first grade showed that only 26.5% of the children had caries-free primary teeth and 76.2% of the children had caries-free secondary teeth.
The results obtained at such oral health check-ups speak for the need to implement oral healt education, and in this way the oral health educational messages reach not only the children but also their teachers, nurses and parents. A rather bad oral health situation, established at compulsory check-ups for enrolment in school, and the interest raised with those involved in the program indicate the need to continue its implementation.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
3055
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2003.
Visits: 2.247 *