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The Crest Cavity-Free Zone Program

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Crest Cavity-Free Zone Program is an educational oral health program conducted at Boys & Girls Club of America sites. The multi-week program provides information in one of three modules, based on the age of the participants. The program teaches the participants about oral biology, oral diseases, and proper oral health prevention including oral hygiene, diet, and the importance of visiting a dentist. Lessons also focus on building self-esteem in one's smile and developing positive attitudes toward dentists and dental visits. The Crest Cavity-Free Zone Program is part of Crest's Healthy Smiles 2010 program. Crest Healthy Smiles pairs with local Boys & Girls Clubs across America and community organizations to provide oral health resources including education, dental hygiene materials, and in some cases affordable dental care to underprivileged children.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the Crest Cavity-Free Zone Program is to improve the oral health of underprivileged children.

Impact

The educational program was effective in promoting improved oral health in these children over a four-week period.

Results / Accomplishments

A pre- and post-test study was used to evaluate the impact of one four-week implementation of the Crest Cavity-Free Zone Program at a Boys & Girls Club of America in Chicago, IL. The mean Gingival Index score for gingivitis significantly decreased 24% from 0.184 at baseline to 0.140 at four-week follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean gingival bleeding site score significantly decreased by 20% (9.99 to 7.97, p = 0.005). The mean Plaque Index score for dental plaque levels decreased by 3% over the four weeks (3.06 to 2.97, p = 0.044). Participants completed five questions at baseline and at four weeks to assess their oral health knowledge before and after exposure, and they had statistically greater oral health knowledge (p < 0.001) after the program.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Boys and Girls Club of America, Crest Healthy Smiles 2010
Primary Contact
National Headquarters
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
1230 W. Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 487-5947
healthysmiles@bgca.org
Topics
Health / Children's Health
Health / Oral Health
Organization(s)
Boys and Girls Club of America, Crest Healthy Smiles 2010
Source
Journal of Clinical Dentistry
Date of publication
2004
Date of implementation
2003
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children