Oral Health Prevention directed to small children

Project completed

The programme is focused on education, promotion and prevention as regards oral health care directed to small children (0-5), their parents, carers and teachers. It also targets medical personnel dealing with small children – paediatrician, nurses and midwives. The overall goal is to reduce prevalence and incidence of dental caries in children aged 0-5 by promoting appropriate oral hygiene practices and good dietary habits counteracting harmful habits and practices.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Poland
Improving social security
Prevention
01.04.2012 - 31.03.2017
CHF  5’139’919

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

According to a report from 2008, 85.5% of all 6-year old children in Poland suffer from dental caries, having on average ca. five teeth affected (average for Western Europe - one tooth). In addition only 15% of the teeth affected by dental caries are treated, while the corresponding rate for Western Europe is 80%. Additionally the comparison to the WHO objectives for oral health hygiene presents a dramatically poor condition of the oral health of Polish children. Finally, there are considerable discrepancies between the regions in Poland itself – the percentage of children with primary teeth free from caries is ranging from 6% in the Dolnośląskie voivodship to 27.5% in the Opolskie voivodship.

Objectives

The overall goal is to reduce prevalence and incidence of dental caries in children aged 0-5. The specific objectives are: (i): promotion of appropriate oral hygiene practices and rules of using fluoride-containing products (toothpastes); (ii): promotion of good dietary habits and food texture awareness; (iii): counteracting harmful oral hygiene and dietary habits and practices

Target groups

Children aged 0-5, their parents and teachers, paediatricians, midwives and nurses, general public

Activities

Trainings of paediatricians, nurses, midwives, teachers are going to be organised. 300’000 toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes among children aged 3-5 are going to be distributed. In addition, the preparation of promotional and informational materials seeks to support core activities in order to increase the awareness of population. 30-seconds TV spot promoting the project and its objectives, nationwide press notices, articles in regional press, posters, leaflets and project website are planned.

Results

Achieved results:  

  • Awareness, understanding and acceptance of oral health care increased in target groups (131'559 children aged 3-5 received educational and preventive activities delivered by 7603 capacitated nursery staff and educators254'132 parents / carers supported by educational and promotional materials
  • 3000 parents carers participated in trainings
  • 33% increase of parents/carers  of children aged 0-2 covered by educational and preventive activities)
  • 3'957 nurseries enrolled for oral health educational activites for small children
  • 105'247 children supported by educators at nurseries and provided with toothbrush, toothpaste, information and education materials
  • Project website with forum moderated by experts running  (674'116 hits), 31'462 informational and promotional posters distributed, 800 TV spots broadcasted
  • 2 conferences promoting project results with 235 participant

 


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • National State Institute North


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    5’139’919 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    4’209’939
Project phases

Phase 1 01.04.2012 - 31.03.2017   (Completed)