Compliance with education on evidence-based oral hygiene principles among dental students and staff: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess compliance with evidence-based criteria regarding oral hygiene principle education provided for children and adolescents in the Tabriz Faculty of Dentistry.

INTRODUCTION

Oral health problems might lead to lowering the quality of life amongst children and adolescents; so, providing education regarding oral health principles is of great importance.

METHODS

Eight audit criteria were assessed using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GriP) audit and feedback tool. Barriers were identified and dental students and staff were instructed by the team members and asked to educate children and adolescents referred to orthodontic department about oral hygiene practices. Changes in audit criteria were collected by direct observation and interview and reported using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In the follow-up phase, the percentage of patients who were advised to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss daily, and seek regular dental check-ups increased, as compared with the baseline audit (37, 43 and 33%, respectively). Professional fluoride application, fissure sealant and individualized intervention and/or prevention treatment plans increased by 30, 35 and 15%, respectively in the follow-up phase; while advice on diet and risks of alcohol, tobacco and smoking increased by 93%.

CONCLUSION

The use of standard clinical audit tools in dentistry wards causes improvement in the compliance with providing oral hygiene principle instructions among dental students and staff. Standard tools can increase the effectiveness of corrective interventions by identifying weaknesses in patient care process.