Statement of Need
Notwithstanding that dental caries seems to have reduced based on a report by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (2014), there is a substantial disparity in its prevalence among population groups. The Whites and the elites have higher incidences of tooth decay, but the lower-income groups alongside the Blacks and the Hispanics have a higher prevalence of untreated dental caries in permanent teeth. This high prevalence is largely attributed to the lack of access to dental health care services. Unfortunately, there has been more attention to the use of prevention strategies among children than adults in the use of fluoride products and sealants. Hence, this paper describes a health promotion program aimed at mitigating the occurrence of dental caries by educating the public and providing treatment options to those already afflicted but not able to access treatment.
Prevention and Eradication of Dental Caries Program
Overview
In alignment with the 10 essential public health services as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), this program aims at informing, educating, and empowering the community to take action in preventing and eradicating dental caries. In addition, it will stimulate involved stakeholders to mobilize community resources needed for the identification and treatment of these dental caries. The objectives of this health promotion program will be governed by the statement of the problem as highlighted above. The program targets the general public, but a special focus will be accorded to the low-income populations. Prior to the day of launching the program, billboards and TV channels will be used to inform the public of the upcoming promotion program aimed to prevent and eradicate dental caries.
Strategy 1: Creating Awareness and Providing Educational Services
Avenue: Social Media
Creating awareness and educating the public on evidence-based strategies will be carried out through social media. Social media is cost-effective in terms of cost and coverage; therefore, this avenue will be useful in disseminating information on healthy dental care practices to the public. This information will reinforce the essence of using fluoride products to maintain oral hygiene, brushing teeth two times a day and flossing or using an interdental brush at least once every day. In addition, the messages will advocate for reduced intake of sugar and sugar products, as well as reduced alcohol and tobacco intake. The latter is known to interfere with the mouth’s natural mechanism for maintaining oral hygiene (National Health Services, 2016). In order to enhance the sustainability of this program, I will open a page on Facebook through which updates and question and answer forums will be held to continually inform, educate, and empower the public (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2014). During the development of this Facebook page, I will liaise with fellow dentists so that collectively we can promptly answer the questions as they are posted and encourage individuals to seek dental services for their general wellbeing.
Strategy 2: Identifying and Treating Dental Caries
Avenue: Community Mobile Clinics
I will pitch a tent in the targeted neighborhoods (low-income populations) to provide dental services at highly subsidized rates. This way, the low-income groups will get access to free check-ups and affordable treatment options. Adults with surface fissures will be provided with sealants at a reduced cost (Riley et al., 2010). The tents will accommodate other health professionals, such as nurses and physicians so that they can offer their services as well. Sequentially, the program will provide holistic health care and encourage more individuals to seek dental health care services.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). The public health system and the 10 essential public health services.Web.
National Health Services. (2016). Tooth decay.Web..
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2014). Community and other approaches to promote oral health and prevent oral disease. Web..
Riley, J. L., Gordan, V. V., Rindal, D. B., Fellows, J. L., Williams, O. D., Ritchie, L. K., & Gilbert, G. H. (2010). Use of caries preventive agents on adult patients compared to pediatric patients by general practitioners: findings from The Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Journal of the American Dental Association, 141(6), 679–687.