Evaluation of oral health promotion services for children under 3 years old in Phayakkhaphum Phisai district, Mahasarakham province

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the oral health promotion services for children under 3 years old in Phayakkhaphum Phisai district. The performance data were collected from the dental reports from October 1^st, 2012 to September 30^th, 2015. The qualitative data were collected through observations, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, the participants consisted of dental nurses, public health officials and the director of sub-district health promoting hospitals, was held on September 7-18^th, 2015. The study found that every primary care unit (21 PCUs) had a policy of providing oral health promotion service operated by the committee of district public health office. The children oral health screening and parent oral health education activities passed the key performance indicator (KPI) of Mahasarakham province (70 %). Moreover the coverage had an increase trend from 2013-2015 (75.3 %, 84.1 %, 92.1 % respectively). Parents tooth brushing training passed Mahasarakham province KPI (70 %), but the coverage still low (71.1 %, 72.4 %, 75.4 % respectively). Fluoride varnish application had decreased trend (73.2 %, 72.5 %, 67.6 % respectively). Percentages of caries-free in 3 years old children were increased (46.9%, 60.8%, 57.3% respectively). As the reports of the primary health care units in 2015, the health promoting hospitals with fulltime dental nurse achieved KPI in all activities. While the health promoting hospitals without fulltime dental nurse achieved only one activity, oral health screening and parents received oral hygiene education. Due to the fact that the public health officials lacked of knowledge and skills on training the parents brushing their children’s teeth and fluoride varnish application. Besides, sub-district health promoting hospitals could not present their oral health service and budget plans to local administrative organization on time, due to the delay of KPI assignment.