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whilst the other project groups were concentrating on different topics. There were 6-8 children in
each group. The topics concerned covered the whole range of dental health with extra emphasis on
dental decay, periodontal disease, plaque, diet, oral hygiene and fluorides. Numerous projects and
surveys were carried out by the children on such subjects as frequency of toothbrushing, types of
toothbrushes and toothpastes. Calculations of amounts of different brands of toothpastes and a
"Which ?" report on the best buy. Favourite sweets, amounts spent on sweets, experiments on the
clearance of chocolate from the mouth. Geographical distribution of sugar beet and cane. Manufacture
of toothpaste. Tooth anatomy, different animals and their teeth, dental experiences, painting
pictures and posters, putting fillings into plaster models. Numerous other projects including the
use of disclosing tablets and tooth brushing methods.
A "feed-back" system was employed in which the children wrote about each day's activities.
They also participated in question-times during which the teaching methods could be assessed and
whether the children were able to grasp the concepts of certain of the more involved topics such as the
role of plaque and the use of fluorides.
A questionnaire has been evolved by the unit for use in the school's programme. This has a dual
purpose in so much as it not only focusses on specific gaps in the individual child's dental health
knowledge but when used at the start and finish of a projects programme it can aid in assessing the
effectiveness of the teaching methods involved. The questionnaire also acts as an initial stimulant.
The 20 part questionnaire includes 10 "knowledge" questions and 5 "attitude" questions.
Knowledge and attitude scores can therefore be calculated and used in the assessment.
All the children's mouths were examined at the start of the project and PMA scores (to measure
gingival inflammation and level of oral hygiene) were calculated for the 6 maxillary anterior teeth.
The teeth were then disclosed at this stage and the plaque demonstrated. This was followed by oral
hygiene instruction.
At the end of the project PMA indices were again calculated. These (and the questionnaires)
will be checked again at three monthly intervals to try and assess the long term motivation. Similar
projects have been requested by a further 16 of the Borough's junior schools.
Results
Statistical results of the measurements of pre- and post-project gingival inflammation (PMA
scores) have been prepared by Mr. M. J. Southgate.
(1) There were 39 children in the study and these have all been subjected to an intensive
Dental Campaign. At the end, 34 have shown a decrease in % PMA while 5 have shown
an increase.
Mean change = -17.1
Standard Deviation ±14.70
10 children showed an average decrease (25.6%).
15 children showed an above average decrease (38.5%).
The others showed little or no decrease in PMA.
(2) There was a statistically significant decrease in the average percentage of PMA. Total
significant decrease 64.1%.
(3) Those with the highest PMA initially were not necessarily those who decreased the most.
These initial results are quite promising and will be followed up at regular intervals.
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