A Scoping Review on the Educational Strategies Used in Intervention Studies to Improve Oral Health in Children

Abstract

This study reviewed the educational strategies of oral health intervention studies on children aged three to 18 years. Eighteen studies, published between January 2015 and December 2021, were found in the major databases and met the eligibility criteria. Information on the educational activities, topics, and study participants were extracted and synthesised, and the association between the number of strategies and oral health improvement was examined.Demonstrations, distribution of printed materials, and provision of oral health kits were frequently employed educational activities of the 14 studies identified.. Of ten topics, oral health care, diet, and oral diseases were frequently included. Most interventions involved children only and few had involved the parents, children, and teachers. Improvement in clinical and non-clinical outcomes are associated with fewer topics and targeting children only, respectively. It is unclear whether mixed and multiple strategies are advantageous and cost-effective in preventing oral diseases in children.