Abstract
Background and Objectives: Global research has shown that 60-90% of school children have caries, and that oral health care is of great public health significance. We present the data of an oral health promotion Program conducted in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGC), Croatia, from 2008 to 2019. The Program includes comprehensive preventive oral status assessments of first- and fifth-grade elementary school students, as well as oral health promotional and preventative activities for preschool children, pregnant women, and new mothers. Here, we aimed to analyze the Program data and determine its applicability and sustainability. Materials and Methods: We assessed the changes in caries prevalence in first- and fifth-grade PGC students by comparing the 2008-2019 dental registry data on decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary teeth (dmft)/decayed, missing, and filled teeth for permanent teeth (DMFT) index means. We also analyzed the data from the administrative Program reports. Results: We analyzed the dental registry data of 44,422 children in the PGC (21,714 first and 22,708 fifth grade). The average Program response rate was 83%. We noted a dmft/DMFT index decrease from 4.66 to 3.73 (first graders) and from 2.50 to 1.00 (fifth graders). The 2017-2019 dmft was significantly smaller than that of 2008-2009. There were 2336 workshops conducted in kindergartens, 1240 in first grades, and 1015 in fifth grades; health visitors educated 26,559 women. There was an increasing trend in the number of insured people under the age of six using pediatric oral health care. Conclusions: The Program improved the behavior and oral health of children and included various stakeholders, avoided additional financial expenses, increased the number of children in care, and proved its necessity and sustainability. It has been recognized on a national level and has led to the creation of two oral health care programs.