Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Oral diseases remain a public health concern in the Dominican Republic, with epidemiological data indicating greater severity compared to other countries with similar geo-economic profiles. Numerous organizations, both governmental and private, have been involved in addressing this issue. Various nonprofit organizations have implemented oral health initiatives in the form of programs aimed at mitigating this situation. However, these projects often lack validation through studies assessing their impact on oral health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the oral health status of a pediatric population and its association with perceived quality of life, while also evaluating the impact of a specific oral health program conducted in the city of San Francisco de Macorís. The evaluation aims to identify areas for improvement in the program's design and implementation. METHODS: The oral health program was assessed over the period 2019-2024. Oral health status was measured using a World Health Organization (WHO)-based survey, and oral health-related quality of life was assessed with the culturally adapted Spanish version of the COHIP-19SF questionnaire. The impact of the program was analyzed using various health and quality-of-life indicators. RESULTS: At baseline in 2019, 94 children from three regions in the Dominican Republic were assessed. Over five years, the restoration index improved substantially from 31.4% to 86.2%, indicating better access to dental care. Quality of life, measured using the COHIP-SF19, also improved. Significant gains were seen in functional well-being, oral health, and self-image domains, while socio-emotional well-being remained unchanged. Overall, the total COHIP-SF19 score dropped by 4 points, reflecting a meaningful improvement in oral health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: The intervention significantly reduced primary tooth decay, improved treatment access, and enhanced children's oral health-related quality of life. These results support the value of sustained oral health programs in vulnerable communities.