Effectiveness of a dental education program on oral cleanliness of schoolchildren in Israel

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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a dental health education program providing dental health information and toothbrushing instruction on oral cleanliness. Two methods of instruction, individual and group instruction, are presented. The plaque situation was assessed in a group of 175 children, 11-14 yr of age, by the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) method at the beginning of the study and at 1, 2 and 12 mo. Immediately after instruction the dental health education program resulted in improved oral hygiene home care for the 2 experimental groups. The improvement noted was achieved regardless of the method of toothbrushing instruction (individual vs. group). Maintenance of a satisfactory level of oral hygiene home care was dependent upon review of educational programs and toothbrushing instruction and not related to the method of instruction.