An evaluation of a School-Based Dental Health Clinic and review of literature

The Henry Ford Health System (HFHS), headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, serves the population of southeastern Michigan. In the past three years, they have offered a school-based dental program in 5 Detroit Public Schools. In addition to evaluation findings of the HFHS school-based dental program, we conducted a review of the literature to examine the impact of school-based dental clinics and school-based dental health education on behavior change and promotion of oral health. A systematic protocol for review of the literature will be presented. We identified elements of approaches for promotion of oral health and changes in oral hygiene behaviors. We also identified and reviewed the impact of international school-based dental programs on children's dental health outcomes. The analysis identified the most promising elements of domestic and international school-based dental health programs. Our search revealed a dearth of outcome evaluation data (ex. DFMS change scores) regarding the impact of school-based dental health clinics which provide preventive services. Many domestic articles focused on the total number of students served and process evaluation. However, there is a plethora of International articles focusing on school-based dental programs and school-based dental education. A majority of the international findings indicate significant improvement in dental health outcomes for those receiving either preventive services, education or both. Presentation will include the review of more effective specific strategies in school-based dental health education.