Effectiveness of School-based Oral Health Intervention for Children

Effectiveness of a School-Based Oral Health Promotion Program on Oral Health Practices, Behaviour, Self-Efficacy, and Clinical Outcomes Among Primary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Schools provide an ideal setting for early interventions. Evidence suggests that educational programs incorporating behavioural change theories can improve oral hygiene practices and clinical outcomes.

A School-Based Oral Health Promotion Program on Oral Health Practices, Behaviour, Self-Efficacy, and Clinical Outcomes Among Primary School Children for six months, while the control group will receive no intervention, only routine care.

Poor oral health in children leads to pain, absenteeism, and impaired quality of life. Schools provide an ideal setting for early interventions. Evidence suggests that educational programs incorporating behavioural change theories can improve oral hygiene practices and clinical outcomes.

A School-Based Oral Health Promotion Program on Oral Health Practices, Behaviour, Self-Efficacy, and Clinical Outcomes Among Primary School. The oral health promotion intervention will be implemented through weekly interactive sessions lasting 30-40 minutes over six months. These sessions, conducted by trained dental educators and teachers, will use animations, storytelling, demonstrations, and role-plays to teach proper toothbrushing, the importance of fluoride toothpaste, healthy eating habits, and the need for regular dental visits. Children will participate in supervised toothbrushing once a week, supported by peer ambassadors who reinforce daily practices. Educational leaflets and videos will engage parents, while posters in classrooms serve as reminders. Follow-up assessments, including questionnaires and clinical indices, will be conducted at six months, while the control group will receive no intervention, only routine care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 6-8 years enrolled in selected schools
• Written informed consent from parents/guardians and assent from children

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with systemic conditions affecting oral health
• Those currently in other oral health interventions