The impact of COVID-19 on the oral health needs of children participating in a school-based dental program

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundChildren with dental caries (tooth decay), the world’s most prevalent noncommunicative disease, face negative impacts on health and quality of life. School-based caries prevention can increase access to care and reduce health inequities.MethodsThe CariedAway project was a school-based oral health program and pragmatic clinical trial of minimally-invasive treatments for dental caries. We present data on disease severity and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the urgent dental needs of high-risk children.Results4718 subjects were randomized and treated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and 1398 completed their first follow-up observation after two years, during which the project was suspended due to infection control policies. Approximately 30% had untreated caries on any dentition at baseline and only 11% of children presented with evidence of having received preventive dental sealants. After 24 months, 4% of children had developed fistula and nearly 10% presented with pulpal involvement.ConclusionThere are severe unmet needs in minority urban children that are further exacerbated by a lack of access to care during disease outbreaks. School-based programs using essential medicines can provide lasting care during pandemic periods.