Oral Health Education Methods

At the end of the course, students should have: 1. provide oral health instruction and disease prevention instruction, including nutritional counselling and dietary analysis; 2. ability to demonstrate skills in the management and delivery of oral health education, and the development of oral health promotion programmes for a range of groups of people; and 3. ability to describe the requirements of an effective oral health educator.

Importance of good oral health. Define health. Explain dental health education. Explain the importance of good oral health. List the health risks associated with poor oral health. State the relationship between oral and general health. Describe the structures in the mouth that can aid maintenance of good oral health. Materials Required for Maintenance of Good Oral Health. Identify materials used for cleaning the mouths such as toothpaste, toothbrush, wood points, dental floss, chewing stick, oral rinses. Identify sources of the materials listed above. Describe the composition of a toothpaste. State the importance of fluoride in toothpaste. Describe a good toothbrush. Identify the various types of toothbrushes. Explain the differences observed in the various brushes mentioned above. Describe the various tooth brushing techniques. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques listed above. Demonstrate the acceptable tooth brushing techniques. Identify the various types of chewing sticks. Explain advantages and disadvantages of the chewing sticks listed above on the teeth and the gingivae.