– The Oral Health Research and Promotion Unit, Al-Quds University –
Through studies conducted in Palestine, one showed a high prevalence of Early Childhood Caries(ECC) among Palestinian children, 79.2% in children aged between three to five years old in Nablus City with mean dmft ± SD (4.5 ± 3.98). ECC prevalence and severity were found to be associated with drinking soda, family socioeconomic status, age, and teeth brushing. The results reveal the need for urgent action to increase awareness about ECC and the importance of primary teeth through preventive strategies to control the ECC in children. (1)
In another one that estimated the prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition in 4- to 5-year-old preschool children in northern Palestine, showed that the number of caries-free children in northern Palestine is still far from numbers found in developed countries. There is a real need to make improvements at the level of parents’ dental health education, application of preventive measures, and dietary habits among preschool children. (2)
Retrospective analysis of official records focused on oral health indices and student referrals. A slight improvement in DMFT scores in students in some governorates in the last 2 years showed some progress in caries control. However, maintenance efforts are required to ensure that caries level does not rise in disease-stable areas, and an increase in strategic effort is required to address the high caries level in high-risk areas. In-depth interviews with stakeholders identified the strengths and weaknesses of the screening program and recommendations for improvements. (3)
Association of Dental Students (PADS) in collaboration with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) organized an awareness and educational visit to Al-Anwar Kindergarten in Dheisheh refugee camp on Saturday, October 16th. This activity has benefited 55 children and their parents at the Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem governorate. The activity aimed to increase awareness of the importance of oral health and how to care for our health at home and included educational sessions about favourable diet habits and healthy diet and demonstrations of the correct way of brushing. We also distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste along with informational leaflets to motivate kids and parents to start taking care of their teeth. Some games and fun activities were used to deliver the education messages. Referral services and treatment at the Al-Quds University dental clinics were offered for parents and school administration.
References:
- Samara, Suad Ayed Saed. Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries and Associated Risk Factors among Preschool Children in Nablus City, Palestine. Diss. 2015
- Azizi, Zafer. “The prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition in 4-to 5-year-old preschool children in northern Palestine.” International journal of dentistry 2014 (2014)
- Kateeb, Elham, et al. “Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in pediatric dentistry residency programs: a survey of program directors.” Pediatric dentistry 35.7 (2013): 500-505
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