Effectiveness of School-Based Oral Health Education in Influencing Oral Health among School Children-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Oral health education (OHE) is considered an effective method to prevent oral diseases. Various studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of OHE among school children, and the most desirable person to render the same still remains a question. The aim of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of OHE rendered by qualified dentists and school teachers in school children in improving oral hygiene and dental caries. Controlled trials with OHE as intervention for not more than 2 years among 4-15 years of age assessing either Sillnes and Loe Plaque index, Loe and Sillness Gingival index, and Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT)/ Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth Surface (DMFS) were included. Studies extracted from various databases were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. The findings from the selected five studies were subjected to quantitative analysis using Review Manager 5.4 version using random effect models. Results showed that OHE provided by school teachers are as effective as those rendered by qualified dentists in improving plaque index (P = 0.81), gingival index (P = 0.55), and caries status (P = 0.77) in school children. OHE is an effective method for reduction of plaque accumulation and improving gingival health though not as effective in reducing dental caries. Improvement in oral hygiene and caries status through OHE is possible irrespective of the person rendering.