Abstract
Problem Significance Oral health is crucial in maintaining an individual's overall health and well-being. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, is a common oral health condition that affects people of all ages worldwide. Tooth decay can cause pain and discomfort, reducing the quality of life, which, in turn, can affect their mental health and emotional well-being. In children, dental caries is a leading cause of absenteeism from school, and it can also cause disruptions to a child's sleep, leading to tiredness and decreased academic performance.
Analysis Using the Socio-ecological model, determinants such as poor oral hygiene routine, low oral health literacy, poor dietary behaviors and lack of oral health services were identified as modifiable factors among children in Trinity County, California. Current efforts addressing the issue were discussed, and it was found that a more comprehensive program is needed to decrease the disease burden.
Intervention (Solution) Proposal The intervention aims to decrease the prevalence of dental caries among children using a multilevel approach. A classroom-based toothbrushing session will inculcate routine oral hygiene behavior among children, a social media campaign will increase oral health literacy among parents, and a school-based dental camp will provide preventive and treatment oral health services in Douglas elementary school Trinity County.
Implementation and Evaluation A broad coalition of people and organizations is essential to implement the intervention successfully, with defined roles and responsibilities for each intervention component. A month-long evaluation after each component will help analyze if the set objectives were met.