The proposed program comprises the implementation of two main interventions. The first intervention implies raising public awareness of the dental caries problem and promoting the relevant prevention measures among the population. The second intervention has a more practical character as it implies providing dental treatment services to the low-income groups. Issel (2013) points out the importance of aligning the strategic plan’s stages with the target goal and objectives (p. 216). Therefore, it is ensured that the proposed interventions will help to reach the measurable objectives that have been initially set: the enhancement of public education and the provision of the relevant attendance to the groups that have limited access to healthcare services. A detailed description of the proposed interventions and the associated activities is provided below.
The selection of the described interventions relies on the critical analysis of the relevant literature. Hence, the first type of intervention is educational. The need for such an intervention has been empirically evidenced by numerous scientific studies. Hence, for instance, recent research has illustrated that poor healthcare awareness is one of the key determinants of the prevalence of dental caries in the population (Costa et al., 2012). Therefore, it is rational to suppose that the enhancement of the relevant education will help to reduce the caries incidence. The second type of intervention implies providing dental treatment for low-income population groups. The need for such an intervention is emphasized in numerous empirical studies showing that these groups are more exposed to dental caries due to their limited access to the relevant services (Costa, Vasconcelos, & Abreu, 2013).
The main strategic questions that need to be resolved to implement the proposed intervention are where, what, how, and who. Otherwise stated, it is essential to decide where to perform the target activities, what to do, how to do them, and who should be involved.
Intervention 1: Education
- Where? The choice of the media channel is an important strategic decision as it determines the scope of the audience that the proposed intervention is likely to affect. As long as poor healthcare awareness is often associated with low income, it is considered rational to adopt a low-cost strategy and ensure that the target population groups have the access to the offered options. As a result, it is proposed to choose social media as the most cost-effective channel to disseminate educational information.
- What? Another important strategic point is the selection of educational materials. First and foremost, it is essential to perform a critical analysis of the entire scope of the relevant information and summarize the most critical data so that it can be offered to the audience in a clear and concise manner. It is suggested that the proposed educational material should not be excessively theoretical but should target to draw the public attention to the most important points of dental care: fluoride products, hygiene maintenance, sugar intake, etc.
- How? It is necessary to ensure that the educational process has an interactive character. In other words, the target audience is supposed to have a chance to receive the relevant consultations and discuss the most critical problems within the organized platform. To provide this option, it is essential to open a special Facebook page that will constantly be updated with new educational materials and will serve to be the common discussion forum for those interested in dental care.
- Who? It is critical to see the fact that the educational implementation is highly professional, and the consultation service is carried out by competent specialists. Therefore, it is proposed to involve volunteering dentists that will agree to collaborate and share their knowledge through the forum on a regular basis. Some of the involved professionals might likewise want to share the initiative to operate their dental care blogs. This activity will be a valuable contribution to educational enhancement.
Intervention 2: Dental Treatment
- Where? It is essential to organize special mobilized clinics that will be able to serve the needs of the population in different locations. From a strategic perspective, this decision has two benefits. On the one hand, mobilized clinics are cost-effective. On the other hand, they are mobile and, thus, capable of serving a large scope of the target population.
- What? It is essential to ensure that the clinics have the relevant equipment to provide standardized options such as check-ups and simple treatment procedures. It is also necessary to launch an advertising campaign to ensure that the target audience is aware of the offered services.
- How? As long as the target population is represented by the low-income groups, it is essential to make the service affordable. As a result, the clinics should provide free check-ups, special discounts, and the cost of the offered procedures should be reduced. Hence, it will be necessary to address the sponsoring shareholders to cover the expenses.
- Who? It is essential to involve volunteering doctors that will agree to provide their services at reduced costs. Other general practitioners might likewise be welcomed to share the initiative.
References
Costa, S., Martins, C., Bonfim, M., Zina, L., Paiva, S., Pordeus, I., & Abreu, M. (2012). A systematic review of socioeconomic indicators and dental caries in adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 9(10), 3540-3574.
Costa, S., Vasconcelos, M., & Abreu, M. (2013). High dental caries among adults aged 35-44 years: Case control study of distal and proximal factors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(6), 2401-2411.
Issel, L. M. (2013). Health program planning and evaluation: A practical, systematic approach for community health. Burlington, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett.