The Beautiful Smile Project: tackling early childhood caries in Qatar

© Dr. Asmaa Othman AlkhtibA beautiful smile can be jeopardised by oral diseases such as dental caries, which is considered to be one of the most prevalent human diseases. Early Childhood Caries is a type of dental caries that affects children under the age of six and is the most prevalent disease of childhood. The aetiology of dental caries is complex with social, biological and dietary factors underlying development of the disease. Parental knowledge and attitudes towards oral health may have an effect on their children’s oral health. Health care providers can play a significant role in oral health promotion for children in the primary care setting. The main aim of this research is to establish the evidence for the need for an oral health promotion program for preschool children in Qatar. A secondary aim of this research is to assess the need for and acceptability of an oral health promotion program, the “Beautiful Smile Project”, in primary health centres and kindergartens in Qatar. This project used a multi-method research strategy and presents results from four interlinking investigations. The first study was an epidemiological study to substantiate the prevalence of early childhood caries. The second and third studies involved surveying mothers and health professionals in relation to their knowledge, attitude and practices around oral health of preschool children. The last study employed a qualitative approach and included interviews and focus groups of mothers and health professionals to assess their opinions about the need for an oral health promotion program, “The Beautiful Smile Project”. The results showed that early childhood caries was a significant problem with a prevalence of 89% and dmft of 7.5. The surveys showed that there was good level of oral health knowledge and relatively positive attitudes towards oral health of young children. However, there is a need for improvement in the practices related to oral health. The results showed that there was significant lack of oral health services directed to children five years and younger. The vast majority of participants in the qualitative study knew the problem of early childhood caries and were seeking ways to manage it. The results of this research showed the need for a health promotion program, offered constructive views to the barriers identified and reflected a wide acceptability for the “Beautiful Smile Project

Barriers and enablers for oral health promotion programs amongst primary healthcare stakeholders in Qatar – a qualitative investigation

Abstract Background Oral health of preschool children remains a concern globally. Primary healthcare providers are in a vital position to support preventive oral care programmes. This study explored current practices, perception and barriers of primary health care professionals towards oral health promotion program of children in Qatar. Methods The qualitative research used focus group discussions and interviewed a total of 108 participants that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four major themes emerged and were analysed to explore contextual patterns within the data. Results Participants acknowledged the high prevalence of caries in children and identified the causes in the local context which included parental practices, poor dietary habits, impact of culture lack of oral health knowledge, limitations in the healthcare system, and negative role of the media. However, complex barriers were exposed, including lack of time and ownership, system coordination between organizations, and lack of policy. Conclusion Health professionals and bureaucrats involved in decision-making held a positive attitude towards oral health prevention programs and were enthusiastic to initiate and support these programs