This project will champion oral health through school based dental clinics where we carry out oral health education, dental check ups and treatment to 6000 primary school children. Schools give a good environment for behavioral change and its important for all of us to engage all stakeholders such that we empower our children to be in charge of their oral health.
Good oral health is central to general health.Research carried out in public primary schools in Makindye division indicate that 67% of pupils suffer from oral diseases thus having difficulty to speak, eat ,socialize and embarrassed.(Kwan et al., 2005). Children with poor oral health are significantly compromised in terms of their school attendance, school performance and success in later life (Gift et al., 1992). Thus a school based approach since a schools are platforms for behavioral change
The project will increase access to oral health care by engaging school children and teachers on the importance of good oral hygiene and its connection to good academic performance. This will be done via school based dental clinics through oral health education, dental check ups, treatments and referrals.
School based oral health education will improve oral health beahavior and status of the children. By creating positive effects in reducing dental plaque, increased awareness levels in knowledge and attitudes, oral health messages will be reinforced throughout the school years which are the most influential stages of childrens' lives during which they build lifelong skills, beliefs and attitudes towards oral health. This will subsequently bring about good academic performance and productivity.
