A cluster randomized controlled trial of a dental health education programfor 10-year-old children

Objective: Using a cluster randomized trial, this study tested the effectiv eness of a dental health education program designed to improve the oral hyg iene and dental knowledge of 10-year-old children. Methods: Thirty-two prim ary schools in the northwest of England participated. After a baseline asse ssment of plaque and the completion of a dental knowledge questionnaire by the children, the schools were allocated randomly to active or control grou ps. Children in schools allocated to the active group received the dental h ealth program, which consisted of four one-hour lessons. After four months the children were examined clinically and scored for plaque, and a second q uestionnaire was administered. The schools in the control group were then a llocated randomly to receive the program or not over the following three mo nths, the program being withdrawn from the schools who initially received i t. A further assessment of plaque was made and a questionnaire administered seven months after the baseline of the study. Results: The active groups h ad 20 percent and 17 percent lower mean plaque scores than the control grou p at four and seven months (P<.001). The children's knowledge of which type of toothbrush should be used and the role of disclosing tablets improved i n the initial test group when compared with the control group and this was retained over the second part of the study. Conclusion: The children receiv ing the program had significantly lower mean plaque scores and greater know ledge about toothbrushes and disclosing tablets than the control children w ho had not received the program.