School and Adolescent Dental Services Are Award Winners

21/11/2007 | Award Winners

MidCentral Health School and Adolescent Dental Service achieved third equal place out of 16 applicants nationally in the Quality Health New Zealand/Baxter Quality Improvement Awards for the Hato Paora Oral Health initiative undertaken from 2003–2006.

The project was a MidCentral Health School and Adolescent Dental Service initiative, with assistance from the Public Health Primary Care Team.

Progress of adolescent Maori males’ oral health status and understanding around oral hygiene was monitored over a three-year period, while using another school located nearby as the control population.

Three main actions were undertaken through the initiative: the distribution of fruit and water bottles; healthy messaging; and the use of fluoride toothpaste with healthy toothbrushing techniques.

The oral health status of the school improved by 37% over the three years, and enrolments of adolescents from Manawatu with the School and Adolescent Dental Service increased by 4%. A significant increase in the understanding of oral hygiene and oral health within the target population was also evident.

MidCentral District Health Board would like to congratulate those involved in the project which was lead by Rebecca Paewai, School and Adolescent Dental Service Adolescent Coordinator. This is a marvellous achievement – well done.

Muriel Hanratty                    Dr Philip Marshall
Group Manager                    Clinical Director
School and Adolescent         Dental Service Dental Services