Effectiveness of OHP

Question 1

OHP review findings summarised

Answer 1

1. improving an individuals knowledge of oral health can be achieved in short term BUT the effects on behaviour/ clinical outcomes are limited
2. OH INFORMATION alone does not produce LONG-TERM behaviour changes
3. school based tooth brushing campaigns aimed at improving oral hygiene are largely INEFECTIVE
4. interventions at an INDIVDUALS level are effective at reducing plaque levels in the short-term
5. mass media campaigns are largely INEFECTIVE at promoting knowledge/ behaviour change- only raise awareness
6. few studies have assesed the effect of OHP on sugar consumption

Question 2

OHP review findings on fluoride

Answer 2

1. water fluoridation is effective in preventing dental caries
2. fluoride toothpaste is effective
3. the use of F supplements in schools has shown to be INEFFECTIVE

Question 3

the OHP review was criticised for being..

Answer 3

poorly designed

poor quality of evaluation of studies

outcomes measures used were of limited value and were NOT comparable

data analysis was mostly very basic- confounding factors were not assessed

Question 4

strengths of OHP reviews

Answer 4

they review a large no. of studies

use standardised and scientific methodologies

Question 5

weakness of OHP reviews

Answer 5

inadequate/ inappropriate methods and outcome measures

Inappropriate inclusion/exclusion criteria, leading to selection bias

Inappropriate outcome measures e.g. focusing on clinical measures such as DMFT, overemphasising on outcomes related to individual behaviour change, etc.

Publication bias

Not assessing quality of interventions, only relying on reported outcomes

Question 6

where is the EVIDENCE of OHP effectiveness

Answer 6

the international union for health promotion and education, 2000

Question 7

what does the international union for health promotion and education, 2000 say about OHP effectiveness

Answer 7

1. the comprehensive approach which uses all 5 Ottawa Charter strategies are most effective
2. settings like schools, workplaces, cities, local communities= practical opportunities for OHP
3. people affected should be at the heart of OHP and decision making
4. OHP is an investment- part of social and economic development
5. OHP should be aimed at achieving:
   rational use of sugar, fluoridation, effective OH, reductions in smoking and drinking, prevention of trauma and appropriate use of dental care