Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long term effects of school-based oral health program on the decrease of dental caries among elementary school children. Methods: The subjects of this study were total 283 students of one elementary school in Deagu, Korea. They had received school-based oral health programs more than one year since 2004. This school-based oral health program included regular oral examination, fluoride mouthrinsing, pit-and-fissure sealing, APF gel application, tooth brushing instruction and chewing the xylitol tablets. The subjects' oral health status were examined and calibrated by a dentist every year from 2004 to 2007. Results: The change of DMFT index were as follows: (1)The subjects who entered the school at 2004 - 0.32(2004), 0.25(2005), 0.25(2006) and 0.38(2007), (2)the subjects who entered the school at 2005 - 0.18(2005), 0.31(2006) and 0.32(2007), and (3)the subjects who entered the school at 2006 - 0.19(2006) and 0.27(2007). Conclusions: This study partially showed the effects of school-based oral health programs on the increments of dental caries. This programs should be expanded widely among elementary schools in Korea.