Background: In this paper, we describe the design, program details, and baseline demographics and oral health of participants in ForsythKids, a regional, comprehensive, school-based mobile caries prevention program. Methods: We solicited all Massachusetts elementary schools with greater than 50% of students receiving free or reduced-price meals.…

Background: Dental caries (cavities) experience is prevalent in US children, and national data show rates to be increasing among young children. Disparities are found for those in the low-income and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx groups. Use of caries prevention, specifically dental sealants, is low, even among school-based programs.…

Background: An asymmetrical oral disease burden is endured by certain population subgroups, particularly children and adolescents. Reducing oral health disparities requires understanding multiple oral health perspectives, including those of adolescents. This qualitative study explores oral health perceptions and dental care behaviors among rural…

Background: Oral malodor (halitosis or bad breath) might be an important motivation tool for improving oral health in adolescents. There are few studies that report the epidemiology of oral malodor in high school students and the relationships with lifestyle and oral health status. This research was conducted to obtain underlying data for…

The relationship between the development of tooth decay and the diet includes a multitude of variables other than sugar. However, the frequency with which food is consumed and its consistency or stickiness may be primary contributors to the development of dental caries. (JN)

Dental health is replete with perpetuated misinformation in the classroom. A true/false test and its answers are presented to expose some of the most common dental myths. (JN)

Brief description of a series of investigations designed to determine the relative effectiveness of various motivators in effecting oral hygiene behavior in a group of junior high school. Presented at the annual meeting of the American School Health Association, San Diego, California, 1972. (JC)

Oral disease risks regarding the use of tobacco arise not only from smoking but also from the oral use of tobacco in the form of snuff. Such diseases range from simple tooth decay to various forms of cancer. A fact list is suggested for presenting the risks to school-age youth. (JN)

To determine the acceptability of local school dental health education programs, the Maine Office of Dental Health surveyed and analyzed the beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes of public school superintendents and private school principals. The results of the surveys are to be used to promote adoption and implementation of dental health programs…

The American diet has undergone substantial changes, a fact that has negatively impacted the dental health of children. Primary prevention is the ideal method to address the current increased incidence of tooth decay. Educating kids, and their parents, about the qualities of snacks as well as the role of frequency of snacking could help to reduce…

A school-based dental health screening and referral program in the state of New York is described. The program provides examinations to children and referrals for those in need of treatment. By encouraging the dental health program, school officials serve as positive role models. Since screenings are conducted at a local level, community interest…

A study was done to ascertain the effectiveness of secondary dental health education and to examine the correlations among students' dental knowledge, attitudes, and health locus of control. Conclusions and implications based on the results of the study are discussed. (JN)