THE IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON ORAL HEALTH-PROMOTING BEHAVIOURS

Alice Murariu, Doriana Agop Forna, Livia Bobu, Costin Lupu, Sorana Roșu, Diana Zapodeanu, Ștefana Cozma, Cezara Onică, Elena Raluca Baciu

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.14

ABSTRACT

Health education is an essential tool in maintaining and promoting health. It includes activities aimed at informing and training individuals and communities about healthy behaviours, risks associated with unhealthy habits, and available resources for health improvement. The objective of this review is to highlight the role and effectiveness of oral health education programs targeting different levels, such as kindergartens, schools, and elderly care facilities, while also addressing their limitations and challenges.

Currently, combined interventions that include lectures supplemented by various tools, such as practical demonstrations, video presentations, PowerPoint slides, and other activities like supervised tooth brushing and topical fluoride application, are considered effective. Recently, mobile applications and telemedicine have become increasingly engaging and motivating, especially for children and adolescents, and should be encouraged for widespread use. Health education programs must be continuously analyzed for their effectiveness and long-term outcomes, politically and financially supported, and constantly improved. In this regard, we have selected successful educational intervention models from different countries, including Romania that target individuals of various ages and those with special needs.

In conclusion, the success of oral health education programs depends on multiple factors, primarily the long-term motivation of the involved actors, support from authorities, and available technological and financial resources, whether individual or collective.