Planning and Implementing of School Oral and Dental Health Program in Omdurman Locality Primary Schools –(2023): A Community Based Health Intervention Strategy

Abstract

The Community Dentistry Department – Karary University has consistently participated in the School Dental Health Program since 2014. The program is implemented by targeting second and sixth-grade students, with continuous follow-up at the same schools on a regular basis to ensure a tangible health impact. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of a school-based oral health program in primary schools, aimed at improving oral health awareness, preventing dental diseases, and providing essential dental care to underserved student populations. The program engaged a multidisciplinary team, comprising dental public health specialists, residents, general practitioners, interns, and a cohort of 75 dental students. Of these, 60 students were specifically from the targeted 4th grade, as outlined in the curriculum module, while the remaining students came from various other grades, organized according to their respective knowledge levels. The children are examined for dental caries using DMFT index, SOHI for oral hygiene assessment, CPITN for periodontal health status and treatment needs after getting verbal consent and institutional approval from schools authorities . The Ministry of health standardized adopted oral health examination sheets is always used to record the dental caries, periodontal diseases and fluoride status according to above mentioned Indices. This data could inform evidence-based interventions. Implementing a school health program in Uganda, similar to the one conducted in Sudan, could effectively address these dental health challenges. By addressing these recommendations, the school dental health program can adapt to the current challenges while ensuring continued support and monitoring of dental health in the community in developing countries.