Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Oral Health Education Programs in Preventing Dental Caries in Community Settings
European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(3s), 58–68
KeywordsCaries Prevention, Community Health, Health Education, Nurse-Led Interventions, Oral Health Promotion, Preventive Dentistry, Public Health
AuthorsAbstractBackground: Dental caries remains a prevalent global health concern, particularly in children and underserved populations, necessitating effective community-based preventive strategies. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led oral health education programs in preventing dental caries within community settings and to examine their underlying mechanisms, implementation models, and associated outcomes. Methods: A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on studies assessing nurse-led interventions in oral health education, behavior modification, and preventive care. Evidence from epidemiological studies, intervention trials, and community-based programs was synthesized to identify key determinants, mechanisms, and effectiveness of these interventions. Results: Nurse-led oral health education programs have been observed to have a major impact in improving the knowledge, attitude, and oral habits of the patients. This reduces the formation of plaques and the occurrence of caries. This is done through the modification of behavior, dietary control, the use of fluoride, and the detection of caries. The programs have shown a high degree of effectiveness in the schools, at homes, and in the community. Conclusion: Nurse-led oral health education programs represent a cost effective and scalable approach to caries prevention in community settings. Strengthening training, integrating oral health into primary care, and leveraging technology can further enhance their impact and sustainability.
IntroductionOne of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases affecting all age groups is dental caries, which has been a major health issue for the past few decades [1]. Even though there have been major developments in the field of preventive dentistry, dental caries have persisted to affect the population, especially children and economically weaker sections of society [2]. Early childhood caries is one of the major issues that have posed a threat due to its aggressive form, which causes pain, infections, growth, etc. The prevalence of such health issues in the community is a major cause of concern, which led to the need to develop preventive programs [3]. There are many causes of dental caries, which is a combined result of various factors, such as the behavior of patients, diet, etc. Some of the major causes of dental caries are the intake of carbohydrates, improper oral habits, and lack of awareness about the prevention of dental caries [4]. In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of the integration of oral health promotion within primary health care services. This is where the role of a nurse is critical, especially considering their availability, their ability to interact with patients at all times, and their involvement in health education and disease prevention [5]. The nurses, being front-line health care workers, have the advantage of imparting oral health education to the community, including school-going children, •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org- Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC.
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