An evaluation of dental information sessions provided to childcare educators in NSW in 2010–2011
Jennifer M. NollerCentre for Oral Health Strategy, NSW Ministry of Health
Email: jennoller@bigpond.com
NSW Public Health Bulletin 24(3) 135-140 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB12092
Published: 23 December 2013
Abstract
Childcare services provide ideal settings to promote good oral health and help reduce tooth decay in young children. This paper reports the results of an evaluation of the dental information session component of the NSW Little Smiles Program provided by public oral health service professionals to childcare educators in NSW in 2010–2011. The evaluation sought to determine if a face-to-face information session provided to childcare educators by oral health professionals: (i) can improve the confidence of childcare educators to reach national quality standards that relate to oral health; and (ii) is an appropriate model to use. In 2010–2011, 163 dental information sessions were provided to 1716 participants from over 526 childcare centres across NSW. Results showed that a dental information session can improve the confidence of childcare educators to assist their service to reach the required national quality standards for oral hygiene and diet-related oral health issues. Further evaluation is required to determine if oral health can be embedded in the daily practice of childcare services and other options need to be explored to deliver the sessions in a more cost-effective way.
References
[1] American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Policy on early childhood caries (ECC): classifications, consequences, and preventive strategies. Pediatr Dent 2011; 33 47–9.[2] Douglass JM, Douglass AB, Silk HJ. A practical guide to infant oral health. Am Fam Physician 2004; 70 2113–20.
| 15606059PubMed |
[3] Ripa LW. Nursing caries: a comprehensive review. Pediatr Dent 1988; 10 268–82.
| 1:STN:280:DyaK3c7pt1Cjsg%3D%3D&md5=a8d0671138555e335d336295c74c2a3aCAS | 3078603PubMed |
[4] Locker D, Matear D. Oral disorders, systemic health, well-being and quality of life. Community Health Services Research Unit. Toronto: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Canada; 2010.
[5] Schroth RJ, Harrison RL, Moffatt ME. Oral health of indigenous children and the influence of early childhood caries on childhood health and well-being. Pediatr Clin North Am 2009; 56 1481–99.
| Oral health of indigenous children and the influence of early childhood caries on childhood health and well-being.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19962032PubMed |
[6] Armfield JM. High caries children in Australia: a ‘tail’ of caries distribution. Aust Dent J 2005; 50 204–6.
| High caries children in Australia: a ‘tail’ of caries distribution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16238220PubMed |
[7] Centre for Oral Health Strategy NSW. The New South Wales Child Dental Health Survey 2007. Westmead: Centre for Oral Health Strategy NSW; 2009. Available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2009/pdf/cdhs_2007.pdf (Cited 28 October 2013).
[8] Kowash MB, Pinfield A, Smith J, Curzon ME. Effectiveness on oral health of a long-term health education programme for mothers with young children. Br Dent J 2000; 188 201–5.
| 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3c3gsFSktA%3D%3D&md5=d8a945bad0663c8f95c312609a033a34CAS | 10740903PubMed |
[9] Gupta RS, Shuman S, Taveras EM, Kulldorff M, Finkelstein JA. Opportunities for health promotion education in child care. Pediatrics 2005; 116 e499–505.
| Opportunities for health promotion education in child care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16199677PubMed |
[10] Office of Communities. Commission for Children and Young People. Early childhood education and care. Available at: http://picture.kids.nsw.gov.au/childcare-and-education/Early-Childhood-Education-and-Care (Cited 28 October 2013).
[11] National Childcare and Accreditation Council. Quality Improvement and Accreditation System: Quality Practice Guidelines. 1st ed. 2005. Available at: http://ncac.acecqa.gov.au/reports/report-documents/qias__trends_june08.pdf (Cited 7 December 2013).
[12] Rogers JG. Evidence-based oral health promotion resource. Prevention and Population Health Branch, Government of Victoria. Melbourne: Department of Health; 2011.
[13] NSW Little Smiles: dental health resource package for childcare professionals. Available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2009/nsw_little_smiles.html (Cited 28 October 2013).
[14] Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council. Development of Oral Health Competencies for the Community Services and Health Workforce. Available at: http://www.cshisc.com.au/learn/cshisc-projects/development-of-oral-health-competencies-for-the-community-services-and-health-workforce/ (Cited 28 October 2013).
[15] American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Policy on oral health in childcare centres. Council on Clinical Affairs. AAPD Reference Manual 2011; 33 33–4.
[17] U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development. Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies. Washington, D.C.; 2010.
[16] Macintosh AC, Schroth RJ, Edwards J, Harms L, Mellon B, Moffatt M. The impact of community workshops on improving early childhood oral health knowledge. Pediatr Dent 2010; 32 110–7.
| 20483013PubMed |
[18] Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. National Law. Available at: http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-law (Cited 6 December 2013).
[19] Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. National Regulations. Available at: http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-regulations (Cited 6 December 2013).
[20] Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. Guide to the National Quality Standard. October 2011. Available at: http://ccccnsw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/guide-to-the-national-quality-standard.pdf (Cited 6 December 2013).
[21] Australian Government. Unit of competency details: CHCCN301C – Ensure the health and safety of children (Release 1). Available at: http://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CHCCN301C (Cited 7 December 2013).
[22] Australian Government. Unit of competency details: CHCECE002 – Ensure the health and safety of children (Release 1). Available at: http://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CHCECE002 (Cited 7 December 2013).
[23] NSW Ministry of Health. Oral Health 2020: A Strategic Framework for Dental Health in NSW. Available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/Pages/oral_health_2020.aspx (Cited 28 October 2013).
