Improving oral hygiene among Head Start preschoolers in Bloomington, CA

Literature indicates oral health needs among preschoolers in the US are not adequately addressed. More than 25% of preschoolers aged 2-5 are affected by tooth decay. Dental caries in children are linked to improper eating habits and poor oral hygiene practices. The preschool-age children most commonly affected are from low-income families. San Bernardino County (SBC) is composed of 39% Hispanics, many of whom are recent and/or illegal immigrants, making oral health an issue in this population. A needs assessment was conducted by graduate students at the Bloomington Head Start in SBC to evaluate the oral health needs of this population. Using available literature to inform best practices, students collected data through ethnographies, semi-structured key informant interviews, and a confirmatory focus group which was used to validate emerging themes. Participants were selected using theoretical sampling, and data were coded and themed using Grounded Theory methods. Results indicate a need for a Spanish-language and culture-specific oral health education program for parents of preschoolers and pre-school-staff to increase their knowledge of proper oral hygiene techniques and nutrition. Barriers to oral health include lack of child cooperation, inadequate knowledge of oral hygiene techniques, lack of time, lack of relevant nutritional knowledge, and child and parental fear of dental visits. A culturally relevant pilot program addressing proper oral hygiene techniques, nutrition education related to dental health, and information on the development and results of tooth decay was developed and implemented. Process and impact evaluation results, lessons learned, and plans for sustainability will be presented.