Evaluation of Smiles for Life: A Caregiver Focused Oral Health Education Programme

Nathan J. Wilson (), Tiffany Patterson-Norrie, Cheryl Bedford, Natalie Bergstedt, Lia Marri Mendoza, Amy R. Villarosa, Ajesh George and Avanti Karve
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Nathan J. Wilson: Australian Centre for Integrated Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Tiffany Patterson-Norrie: Australian Centre for Integrated Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Cheryl Bedford: Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry, Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
Natalie Bergstedt: Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry, Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
Lia Marri Mendoza: Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry, Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
Amy R. Villarosa: Australian Centre for Integrated Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Ajesh George: Australian Centre for Integrated Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Avanti Karve: Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry, Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia

Disabilities, 2022, vol. 2, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: Background : People with an intellectual and/or developmental disability are at increased risk of adverse oral health outcomes and often require support from caregivers to assist in maintaining or seeking treatment for their oral health needs. However, caregivers and support workers are often family members with limited formal oral health training. Hence, the aim of this pilot study was to review the outcomes of the ‘Smiles for Life’ oral health education workshop with reference to their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers of people with an intellectual or developmental disability. Methods: A single group pre-test post-test intervention design was used to explore the preliminary effectiveness and appropriateness of the Smiles for Life oral health education workshop. Results : A total of 244 participants completed both the pre and post knowledge test. Oral health literacy scores decreased following the post test. Those with higher levels of education achieved higher post-training knowledge scores. Overall, caregivers reported satisfaction on the material presented however, it could be improved with more practical demonstrations. Conclusion: Providing an oral health education tool that caters to the diverse caregiver audience presents a unique set of challenges, despite oral health education in this professional group being vital. Future studies may benefit from reviewing the efficacy of a more tailored educational intervention.

Keywords: carers; oral health; oral health promotion; special needs; intellectual disability; pilot study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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