Publication

Abstract : AIM or PURPOSE To conduct a comprehensive synthesis of evidence derived from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, evaluating the effectiveness of school-based oral health education interventions on oral health status and oral hygiene behaviours among schoolchildren. MATERIALS and METHOD A systematic search across MEDLINE Ovid, Scopus, Google Scholar, EBSCO- APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest was conducted. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data extraction and quality assessment followed the JBI critical appraisal checklist. The study included systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials involving schoolchildren aged 5–18 years, receiving classroom-based education from oral health educators (schoolteachers / parents / caregivers / dentists). Outcome measures included oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and specific oral health indices. RESULTS A total of twenty-seven relevant systematic reviews were included. Most reviews demonstrated high robust methodological quality, enhancing the reliability of the findings. Nineteen studies attained an excellent rating (scores 30-33), four were deemed of good quality (scores 26-29), and four fell within the fair quality range (scores 21-25). Notably, no studies were found to be of poor quality (scores 20 or below). Diverse studies from different countries, with peak reviews in 2019 and 2021 were noted. Meta-analyses reveal positive effects of oral health education interventions on various outcomes, including plaque and gingivitis reduction, improved knowledge, attitude, behaviour, and oral hygiene. CONCLUSION(S) This serves as an evidence and valuable resource for educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers striving to enhance oral health outcomes in the paediatric population. The variations in results emphasize the need for tailored interventions to refine recommendations for optimal oral health education in school settings.