The impact of dental treatment on oral health-related quality of life among preschool children

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of dental treatment on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschool children. Subject and methods: An intervention study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 84 children/parents. The participants were selected from a reference health unit. The children and parents/guardians answered the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-Year-Old Children (SOHO-5) and a clinical exam was performed by a properly calibrated researcher. Treatment was performed on the preschool children. Seven to 14 days after treatment was administered, a follow-up SOHO-5 to all those who participated was carried out. Statistical analysis involved a comparison of mean SOHO-5 scores. The Wilcoxon test was used to calculate differences between the mean for total SOHO-5 scores before and after treatment based on the global transition judgment. Results: A significant difference was found between the total scores of the children and parents/guardians (p < 0.05). The OHRQoL of the children improved in varying degrees at a greater frequency than that of those where no change was reported (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, after treatment, the OHRQoL of the children improved, as reflected in the mean SOHO-5 scores using both the self-reports or the proxy measures. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.