Promoting Oral Health in Healthy Schools in England
Author Information
Author(s): Emma Stokes, Cynthia M Pine, Rebecca V Harris
Primary Institution: Department of Dental Public Health, Wirral Primary Care Trust Dental Services
Hypothesis
What are the barriers and drivers to incorporating oral health promoting activities within Healthy Schools programmes?
Conclusion
Healthy Schools programmes are supporting the promotion of oral health although the extent to which this is happening is variable.
Supporting Evidence
- All 22 Healthy Schools coordinators participated and reported some engagement with oral health promotion.
- Primary schools engaged more fully with Healthy Schools programmes than secondary schools.
- Participants identified healthy eating interventions as the most appropriate means to promote oral health.
Takeaway
This study looked at how schools in England promote oral health. It found that while some schools do a good job, others need more support to help kids take care of their teeth.
Methodology
Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with coordinators of Healthy Schools programmes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the subjective nature of qualitative interviews and reliance on coordinators' perspectives.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data from coordinators, which may not fully represent the actual practices in schools.
Participant Demographics
Coordinators from 22 Healthy Schools programmes in the Northwest of England.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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