Long-term benefits for children of including dental health in education

Abstract

The present quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of a dental education program implemented at the Tuntatacto Educational Unit during the last quarter of the 2022-2023 academic year. The intervention included interactive workshops, distribution of dental hygiene kits, and teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques, specifically targeting the experimental group, while the control group did not receive these activities. The results indicated significant improvements in oral hygiene knowledge and practices in the experimental group compared to the control group, demonstrating the importance of incorporating dental education into the school curriculum. Data collected through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires showed an increase in awareness about the importance of dental care, regularity of brushing, flossing, and parental supervision in dental hygiene in the group that received the education. Additionally, a reduction in anxiety toward dental visits and greater acceptance of common dental procedures was observed. This study highlights the preeminence of early, practical educational interventions in dental health promotion, which not only improves children's immediate oral health but also establishes a solid foundation for long-term healthy oral hygiene practices. The implications detected suggest that similar programs could be effectively replicated in different educational contexts to strengthen dental education and prevent dental diseases from an early age