National Oral Health Research Articles

Oral Health Practices in Home Care: A Report on Bonding and Care

Introduction: Home Care (HC) is a form of healthcare that provides patients with a comprehensive range of services. The guidelines of Brazil's National Oral Health Policy highlight HC as a key approach for expanding access to services and fostering a connection with the population. Methodology: This study presents an experience report from the Oral Health Team within the Family Health Strategy (FHS). The intervention period was from March to July 2023 in the city of Itatiba, SP. Results: A total of 25 patients received home care consultations, with an average age of 65 years. Eleven patients used full dentures, five had carious lesions, eight presented dental calculus, and one patient had an ulcerated lesion on the alveolar ridge. Interventions included oral hygiene guidance, restorative treatment, periodontal treatment, and referrals to secondary care for complementary exams. Conclusion: The study concluded that most procedures performed were denture guidance, atraumatic restorative treatment, and scaling and root planing. Additionally, the importance of oral cancer screening was highlighted, with one case identified in a patient. Moreover, the need for sensitivity and compassion in home care was emphasized, recognizing the conditions of both the patient and their family.

Caries Level in 3-Year-Olds in Germany: National Caries Trends and Gaps in Primary Dental Care.

Nationally representative long-term data on caries in the primary dentition are rare but essential for determining the need for prevention and treatment. This research assessed the prevalence and trends of dental caries in 3-year-old children across Germany, with national data analyzed and compared with the corresponding data for 6-7-year-olds. Data were extracted from the most recent German National Oral Health Survey in 2016. Children aged 3 years were examined by calibrated dentists in 10 German regions using the WHO criteria for d3-4mft, including assessment of initial carious lesions d1-2mft. In addition, the Significant Caries Index (SiC), the Care Index (CI) and the Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC) were considered to identify provision of care and risk groups. In a total of 95,127 3-year-old preschool children, caries prevalence was 13.7% with a mean d3-4mft of 0.48. Including initial carious lesions, prevalence increased to 18.7% (mean 0.67 d1-4mft). Dependent on the German region, d3-4mft values varied noticeably from 0.38 (Schleswig-Holstein) to 0.58 (Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin). Comparing data from 3-year-olds to 6-7-year-olds, the d3-4mft value for 6-7-year-olds (1.73) was more than three times higher than that for 3-year-olds (0.48). The SiC value was 1.47 for 3-year-olds and 4.88 for 6-7-year-olds, while the SaC values were 3.57 and 3.97, respectively. The Care Index was low for both groups (26.1% and 57.5%, respectively). Germany exhibited a high level of dental caries in the primary dentition for 3 (13.7%) to 6-7-year-olds (44%) children. This large cross-sectional study revealed considerable room for improvement in the early caries prevention and treatment within the well-equipped German dental health infrastructure.

Particulate Matter 2.5 and Severe Periodontitis Among Colombian Adults

ABSTRACTAimsThe primary aim was to determine the association between particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration at municipality‐level and severe periodontitis among adults. A second aim was to evaluate contemporaneous versus lagged effects of exposure to municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration on severe periodontitis.MethodsWe linked individual‐level data from the latest National Oral Health Survey (ENSAB‐IV) with satellite‐based estimates of annual PM2.5 concentrations at the surface level for municipalities in Colombia. Annual PM2.5 concentrations were averaged over 3, 5 and 10 years to capture contemporaneous and lagged effects, respectively. Severe periodontitis was defined using three common case definitions. The association between municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration and severe periodontitis was tested in multilevel logistic regression models adjusting for covariates.ResultsData from 9111 adults in 197 municipalities and 33 departments were analyzed. The prevalence of severe periodontitis varied from 10.4% to 29.8% depending on the case definition used. The mean PM2.5 concentration was 18.5 (SD = 2.9), 19.1 (3.0) and 18.9 (2.8) μg/m3 over the past 3, 5 and 10 years. The municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration was not associated with severe periodontitis, irrespective of the assessment period for PM2.5 concentration (3, 5, or 10 years) or the case definition of periodontitis used.ConclusionsThis study found no association between municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration and severe periodontitis among Colombian adults. No evidence of lagged effects was found either.

State of oral health in the Portuguese population and associated psychological and social aspects

Abstract Background Oral diseases are a global public health challenge and remain among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases. This study aims to characterize the self-assessment of oral health state, degree of edentulism, oral rehabilitation and the quality of life, namely chewing capacity, and the associated psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. Methods Data were collected by telefone survey, on the 2nd half of 2018 and 1st half of 2019, using the Portuguese population representative, ECOS panel. Descriptive statistics, as well as prevalence estimates, were obtained with weighting for age, sex, region and sample design, for 95% confidence intervals. The modified F-statistic, a variant of the 2nd order Rao-Scott chi-square adjustment, was used to test the bivariate analyses. Results For 53% of the population, the health status of the mouth was perceived as Good or Very Good, for 37% Fair and, in 11% of cases as Bad or Very Bad. It is estimated that around 76% of the population has good oral hygiene habits, approximately 26% have all of their teeth and 8% the total absence of teeth. It is estimated that only around half (49%) underwent rehabilitation using, in the vast majority of cases (78,5%), removable prostheses. It is estimated that 32% of its users have difficulty chewing hard foods and, of these, around 20% have great difficulty or are unable to chew at all. Psychological discomfort due to oral health was higher in the Portuguese population when compared to the European population (17% vs 7 %), psychological limitations due to the appearance of teeth or dentures were equally higher (7% vs 4%), as were social limitations (8,8% vs 4%). Conclusions The oral health panorama in Portugal remains bleak, so strengthening the application and deepening of the national oral health promotion program should constitute a priority aspect in the development of public policies in the country Key messages • Integrating oral health into general health promotion strategies and assessing oral health needs to include psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. • Strengthening the strategies that have been developed in the context of health promotion, prevention and early treatment of oral diseases in Portugal.

Analysis of factors associated with tooth loss in older adults from 1995 to 2015: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Guangdong, China.

The aim of this study was to detect trends and related factors in the functional dentition (FD) in 65- to 74-year-olds in Guangdong, China, while also assessing trends in education and income inequality factors. Three large-scale cross-sectional National Oral Health Surveys (NOHS), specifically NOHS II in 1995, NOHS III in 2005, and NOHS IV in 2015, were included. Post hoc stratification was weighted for 1038 participants aged 65 to 74years. Retaining teeth ≥ 20 teeth and retaining < 20 teeth was defined as functional dentition (FD) and nonfunctional dentition (NFD), respectively. Logistic regression models were established to assess related factors. Slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were used to analyze inequality. From NOHS II to IV, the FD proportion increased from 42.8 to 71.9%. Years of NOH, with caries, with periodontal pocket, high educational level, high income level, female, and those who had dental visits were associated with FD preservation. The education-related SII decreased from 0.44 to 0.20, and the income-related SII increased from 0.13 to 0.16. The FD proportion among 65- to 74-year-olds improved from 1995 to 2015. Years of NOHS, with caries, with periodontal pocket, high education level, and high income level were associated with higher FD proportion. Female and those who had dental visits were associated lower FD proportion. Social inequalities in FD persisted, especially economic-related inequalities. Public health policy support and respective interventions should be applied to increase FD retention.

Campaign proposal for “National oral health improvement in Romania” (2025-2030)

Campaign proposal for “National oral health improvement in Romania” (2025-2030)

A cross sectional study to assess the level of awareness of dental surgeons about national oral health program in a city of central India

: In 1999, the Ministry of Health Family Welfare, government of India, launched the first National Oral Health Care Programme on a pilot basis. This cross-sectional study was contemplated in Indore district to assess the awareness of dental surgeons regarding their awareness about the basic tenets of the National Oral Health program. Type of the Study- Cross sectional studyDuration of the Study- 6 months- January-June 2024Site of the Study- Indore districtSample Size- 100Sampling technique- Purposive SamplingStudy method- 1. First of all, the list of dental surgeons operating in Indore district was obtained.2. 100 dental surgeons were randomly identified from this list.3. Their written informed consent was obtained to be a part of the study.4. Pre-designed semi structured questionnaire was prepared and fed in google forms and shared with these identified dental surgeons5. Data collected was entered in MS excel/spreadsheets6. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical software. : 69% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India. 47% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Manpower support [Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant]. 41% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Equipment including Dental Chair, X-ray units, autoclaves etc. 41% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Consumables for dental procedures. 37% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- IEC/ BCC activities like Posters, TV, Radio Spots, Training Modules etc. 33% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- national and regional nodal officers training programs. 33% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Preparing State/District level Trainers by conducting national and regional workshops: The present study clearly indicates that there is need to increase the awareness of National Oral Health Programme not only among dental surgeons but also common men. Government should take active interventions to increase the awareness of NOHP so that more and more people can utilize its facilities.

Oral Health Surveillance System in India: Need and Proposal

Public health surveillance is described as the ongoing systematic collection, analyzing, and interpreting of the data, closely integrated with the transmission of these data to public health practitioners, doctors, and policymakers responsible to prevent and manage disease as well as injury. Both developed and developing nations are becoming aware of the significance of information from efficient surveillance systems for allocating resources and evaluating programs. Over the past few decades, there was a significant change in oral health profiles around the world. Indicators of oral health have improved in many countries, but not in India. An organized system for providing, monitoring, and evaluating oral health care services is needed in India. Draft National oral health policy 2021 has mentioned specific objectives: (a) by 2025, establish baseline data on the burden of oral diseases in the nation, (b) by 2030, the mortality and morbidity from dental and oro-facial diseases reduce to 15%, (c) By 2025, community-based awareness initiatives and practices for oral health will be covered by the healthcare system by a factor of 50%, and by 2030, by a factor of 70%, (d) the creation of an electronic database at district-level on components of the health system by 2025. A well-defined oral health surveillance system in India will serve the purposes (a) to provide standardized recording procedures, standards, and techniques to collect, analyze and interpret the oral health data at the state and central levels (b) to prioritize oral diseases or conditions that will be the focus of oral health surveillance or disease elimination, (c) to digitally monitor and evaluate the progress of nation’s oral health care programs.

Oral Health Status and Oral Healthcare System in Indonesia: A Narrative Review.

To assess the current situation regarding oral health status and system in Indonesia through the existing literature and government documents, identify challenges, and propose recommendations for the future. A literature search was conducted from June to October 2023 through the scientific databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, including published articles from 2013 to 2023. The following main keywords were used: "Indonesia," "oral health system," "oral healthcare system," "oral health policy," "oral health promotion," "oral health coverage," and "oral health status." Articles without any restrictions on study design, review articles, regional or national oral health reports, and Indonesian health laws or regulations were included. Data extracted from the included studies were synthesized and presented into several subgroups. Despite the establishment of a health system in 1982, the oral health status of Indonesian people remains unsatisfying. The prevalence of untreated caries and periodontal disease is still high. Several policies and programs have been implemented to tackle those problems; however, Indonesia still has many challenges to overcome, including geographic constraints, uneven distribution of dental personnel, low public awareness and information on oral care utilization, insufficient resource allocation, and lack of prevention and promotion programs. The oral health status of the Indonesian population remains unsatisfactory. Future actions should emphasize on equal access and distribution of dental care, strengthen monitoring and evaluation of ongoing programs, integrate oral health into the national health agenda, and allocate adequate resources to support oral health initiatives.

Oral health-related quality of life in the Myanmar population: The first national oral health survey 2016 - 2017.

To describe the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its potential influencing factors within the Myanmar population. Data were from the first national oral health survey, involving 3,513 participants aged 15-18 years, 35-44 years, and 60-74 years from 21 selected townships in Myanmar. Self-administered questionnaire-based surveys, conducted from December 2016 to January 2017, included socio-demographics, behavioral factors, self-reported oral conditions (number of teeth present, teeth and gingival conditions), and inquiries regarding OHRQoL (a set of 12 questions with 5 response options) using the recommended questions from WHO Oral Health Surveys. The most prevalent oral health issues were difficulties in chewing (32.2%) and biting foods (30.8%). In bivariate analysis, older individuals, rural residents, and participants with higher educational levels were associated with OHRQoL. In multiple regression analysis, self-reported number of teeth, teeth and gingival conditions were strong predictors of OHRQoL in all age groups. Self-rated oral health conditions predicted quality of life due to oral problems. The development of national oral health policies and strategies is imperative to facilitate early detection of oral health problems and promote the awareness of oral health importance.

Colombia’s Armed Conflict and Dental Caries among Adults

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the association between residing in municipalities with armed conflict and dental caries among adults in Colombia. Methods: Data from 9,194 individuals aged 18–79 years, who participated in the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in 2014, were linked with information on the presence and intensity of the armed conflict experienced in their municipality of residence between 2000 and 2012 (extracted from the Resource Centre for Conflicts Analysis). Dental caries was determined through clinical examinations and summarised using the numbers of decayed teeth (DT), decayed and filled teeth (DFT), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). Two-level negative binomial regression models were fitted, with adults nested within municipalities, to test the association between armed conflict indicators and caries outcomes after adjustment for covariates. Results: The mean DT, DFT, and DMFT scores were 1.75 (SD = 2.36), 6.03 (SD = 4.53), and 10.27 (SD = 7.11), respectively. Of the 197 municipalities included in the analysis, 12.2% experienced conflict permanently and 18.3% experienced high-intensity conflict. In crude analysis, adults living in municipalities with more presence and intensity of armed conflict had lower DT and DMFT, but not DFT scores. After adjustment for covariates, only the (high) intensity of conflict was associated with lower DT (rate ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47–0.87), DFT (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71–0.95), and DMFT scores (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74–0.89). Conclusions: This study found that Colombian adults residing in municipalities with high intensity of conflict had lower levels of untreated disease and caries experience.

Utility of Toll-Free Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) Helpline under National Oral Health Program (NOHP) - A Cross-Sectional Hospital Based Study.

India launched the National Oral Health Program (NOHP) in the year 2014-15 to support the states for improved oral healthcare delivery and reduce the burden of oral diseases. The toll-free Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) with contact number 1800112032, was initiated to deliver oral health-related information to users and guide them for proper treatment on World Oral Health Day on 20th March 2017. There is scarcity of data regarding the utility and perception of users about IVRS. This study will try to underpin the factors, which can be useful in further improvement in the helpline operation. To assess the perception of patients regarding the use of the existing IVRS helpline under NOHP for oral health-related information. The present cross-sectional nonclinical dental survey was carried out among 980 adults aged 18 years and above visiting SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha. Descriptive statistics with proportions were calculated and Chi-square was computed, P < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical inferences. None of the participants were aware of the existence of the toll-free helpline number of NOHP. A significantly higher proportion of female participants responded that IVRS was useful in getting unassisted oral health-related information (P < 0.001). The services of IVRS remains underutilised by the general population due to lack of awareness regarding its existence. The IVRS helpline can be readily accessed for information regarding common oral diseases, immediate home-based care and when to approach for professional help for the common oral health issues.

Knowledge of the health personnel involved in the fluoride varnish therapy programs of primary schools in Tehran, Iran

IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO) places great importance on oral health promotion programs in schools, given that approximately one billion people worldwide are students. This demographic not only includes the students themselves, but also extends to school staff, their families, and the broader community, all of whom are interconnected. The objectives of this study were firstly to assess the knowledge of health personnel conducting fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) in schools, and secondly to solicit their views on the effectiveness of their training methods.MethodsData was collected from health personnel involved in FVT in schools, supervised by medical universities in Tehran province, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: demographic information, methods of receiving FVT training, respondents’ knowledge regarding FVT, and opinions about the effectiveness of FVT training methods. The questionnaire was distributed via social media, phone conversations, and email. The collected data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney in SPSS Version 26. A regression model was also fitted to the data.ResultsThe present study included 403 participants. Among various educational methods, it was found that participation in previous workshops (P = 0.001) and FVT workshops (P = 0.013) was significantly correlated with a higher FVT knowledge score. Additionally, participation in previous oral health promotion programs was significantly associated with a higher knowledge score (P < 0.05). Therefore, a history of participating in previous health promotion programs significantly contributed to the participants’ knowledge.ConclusionParticipation in previous oral health programs was found to be significantly correlated with a higher knowledge score. The effectiveness of training programs can be attributed to participation in previous workshops and FVT workshops. This study provided insights into potential strategies for enhancing personnel training in national oral health programs.

Findings from the 2019 nationally representative oral health survey for adults in Singapore.

The aim of this study was to present key findings from the 2019 national adult oral health survey in Singapore (NAOHS). A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to recruit participants for a representative national adult oral health survey. A total of 12 212 households were randomly selected from the National Database on Dwellings in Singapore. Within each household eligible persons aged ≥65 years were automatically invited to participate while a Kish selection method was used to invite those between 21 and 64 years old. The survey comprised a face-to-face interview questionnaire and a clinical examination which recorded details of tooth loss, DMFT, DMFS and prevalence of periodontal disease according to the CPITN and the US CDC-AAP classifications. Weighted analysis was performed to adjust for oversampling, non-response and post-stratification. Multivariate regression with backward stepwise selection was carried out to identify predictors of chronic periodontal disease and untreated dental caries. Six hundred and sixty-three participants completed both the questionnaires and the clinical examination. The prevalence of edentulousness was 2.7%. Of participants, 34.8% presented with untreated dental caries with a higher proportion found in those who were aged ≥60 years, of Malay ethnicity, living in 1-2-room public housing and who only visited the dentist when there was a problem. Mean DMFS and DMFT indices were 24.7 and 7.9 respectively. Based on the CDC-AAP classification, the prevalence of moderate-severe chronic periodontitis was 56.9% and increased with age, with a higher proportion in males. Participants with untreated dental caries were more likely to have moderate or severe periodontal disease. Survey findings showed high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease, at 34.8% and 77.6% respectively. A clear socio-economic gradient in the distribution of tooth loss, untreated dental caries and moderate-to-severe periodontitis was observed.

The Fundamental Right to Oral Health and Its Judicialization in The Brazilian State

The Fundamental Right to Oral Health and Its Judicialization in The Brazilian State

NHS dental crisis causing anxiety about nation's oral health

NHS dental crisis causing anxiety about nation's oral health

Insurance Scheme: Inequality in Untreated Caries and Tooth Loss

Objectives: In Thailand, access to dental care services varies based on different insurance schemes. Our objective was to determine the association of untreated caries and tooth loss with insurance schemes among adult population in Thailand. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Secondary data from oral examinations and a questionnaire administered during Thailand’s National Oral Health Survey 2017 were analyzed. Untreated caries and tooth loss were used as continuous dependent variables. Based on the insurance schemes, participants were categorized into four groups: Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS), Social Security Scheme (SSS), and “others” (uninsured, do not use, do not know). Poisson regression with robust variance and sampling weights was used to calculate the ratio of means (RM), and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for untreated caries and tooth loss, with adjustments for age, gender, and location. Results: A total of 4,534 participants were included. The mean age and number of untreated caries and tooth loss were 39.6±2.9 years, 0.9±1.7 teeth, and 2.2±3.1 teeth, respectively. In covariate-adjusted models, participants under the UCS showed a significantly higher chance of untreated caries compared to those under the CSMBS (RM=1.23, 95% CI=1.04–1.45). Regarding tooth loss, participants under the others category had a substantially higher chance of tooth loss compared with those with the CSMBS. (RM=1.37, 95% CI=1.02–1.85). Conclusions: Insurance schemes are predictors of untreated caries and tooth loss. Expansion of coverage of all insurance schemes to facilitate access to dental services is required.

Oral health vulnerability and its associated risk factors among tribal elderly people in Bangladesh: a primary pilot initiative of national oral health survey

Background Tribal elderly is a vulnerable population due to their geographic location and lack of access to healthcare services including poor oral health. As the primary initiative for representative ethnic oral health survey for elderly, this pilot study aims to assess the oral health status of tribal elderly in Bangladesh and identify the associated risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional pilot survey was conducted among 280 tribal elderlies aged 60 years and above residing in the main tribal residing region in Bangladesh. The data was collected through cluster sampling methods using a semi-structured questionnaire and oral examination. Different statistical tools including frequency distribution, Chi-square association test and multivariable logistic regression model were performed in data analysis. Results The results showed that 25.35% of the tribal elderly had high DMFT score, indicating poor oral health. Respondents’ age, sex, marital status, occupational status, sweet eater, tobacco, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with oral health. The major oral clinical sign and symptoms were dental carries, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, broken teeth, calculus and staining in teeth, tongue pain and bad breath. The logistic regression analysis suggested that elderly aged 80 and above had 3.33 times more, males were 4.6 time less, tobacco user (smoked/smokeless) were 2.03 times more and alcohol consumers were 6.83 times more likely to experienced poor oral health condition than their counterparts. Conclusions Elderly individuals were found to be more likely to suffer from poor oral health condition than younger individuals, and certain lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, meal frequency, and sweet consumption can further increase the risk of poor oral health condition. The findings can be a primary initiative for further investigation on the nationally representative oral health survey among ethnic elderly.

Influence of School Type and Class Level on Mean Caries Experience in 12-Year-Olds in Serial Cross-Sectional National Oral Health Survey in Germany-Proposal to Adjust for Selection Bias.

Caries data from the 2016 NOHSC were adjusted for each federal state on the basis of two additional large-scale datasets for school type and class level. Twelve-year-olds in all grades in Saxony-Anhalt (n = 96,842) exhibited significantly higher DMFT values than 12-year-olds in 6th grade (n = 76,456; +0.10 DMFT; ~14.2%, p < 0.001). Adjustments for school type had effects on DMFT on the level of federal states but almost balanced out on the national level (-0.01 DMFT; ~2%). Due to putatively similar structures of the federal states, the national mean DMFT for 12-year-olds in the latest NOHSC (2016; n = 55,002) was adjusted from 0.44 to 0.50 DMFT, correcting for selection bias. Selection bias in this NOHSC leads to an underestimation of caries levels by about 15%. Due to very low caries experience in children in Germany, these precise adjustments (+0.06 DMFT) have only a minor effect on interpretations of the national epidemiologic situation. Consequently, other national caries studies worldwide using the robust marker of DMFT should also adjust for systematic selection bias related to socio-economic background rather than increasing efforts in examination strategy.

A global survey of national oral health policies and its coverage for young children.

There is no accessible information on countries with oral health policies. The purpose of this study was to identify World Dental Federation (FDI) member countries with oral health policies and their scope and extent of coverage of oral health care for young children. This international survey recruited chief dental officers, oral health advisors to national ministries of health, and other key informants of the 158 FDI member countries between December 2020 and December 2021. The survey tool was administered online to the study participants. Key questions explored the following outcome measures: countries with oral health policies; the thrusts of the oral health policies; policy thrusts targeting young children; and dental care plans as a component of a universal health care plan. Descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the number of countries with any of the study outcome measures and coverage per country. Sixty (38%) of the 158 FDI member-countries responded to the survey. Forty-eight (55.2%) of the 60 countries had a national oral health policy document or position statement on oral health; 54 (62.1%) countries had plans on universal health care, and 42 (48.3%) included dental care within their universal health care plan. The most common policy thrusts addressing the oral health needs of children were the promotion of oral hygiene (71.7%), provision of fluoride products for children (53.3%), collaboration with primary care providers (35%), and prenatal oral health education (50%). There were differences in the scope of oral health care coverage and the coverage for young children between continents as well as between countries. Europe had many countries with children-friendly oral health policy coverage. About half of the surveyed countries had a national oral health policy. There were variations in the scope of oral health care coverage, particularly for young children, both between continents and among individual countries. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the landscape of oral health policies globally. Such insights can help inform targeted interventions to enhance oral health policies, thereby contributing to improved oral health outcomes on a global level.