Effectiveness of the school-based oral health promotion programmes from preschool to high school: A systematic review

PLoS One. 2021 Aug 11;16(8):e0256007. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256007. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Background: Schools offer an opportunity for oral health promotion in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the influence of school-based oral health promotion programmes on oral health knowledge (OHK), behaviours (OHB), attitude (OHA), status (OHS), and quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents.

Methods: A systematic search on the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify eligible studies. The last search was done on April 24th, 2020. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools.

Results: Of the 997 articles identified, 31 articles were included in this review. Seven studies targeted students in preschools, seventeen in elementary schools, and seven in high schools. Most of these studies revealed positive outcomes. Some studies showed that the school-based oral health promotion programmes showed better OHK, OHB, OHS, and OHRQoL.

Conclusion: Positive results were obtained through oral health promotion programmes in schools, especially those involving children, teachers, and parents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Oral Health / education*
  • Quality of Life*
  • School Health Services / organization & administration*

Grants and funding

Yes - Universitas Airlangga.