Concepts In Dental Public Health

Chapter 5 Effective Community Programs

Program Development

Incorporates 3 core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance. Uses ADPIED Cycle: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation.

Program Development vs. Individual Patient Care Process

See page 70, table 5-1

Criteria For Program Development

Community recognized need Sufficient community resources Cost effectiveness Targeted interventions Community acceptance Proactive approach Common risk factors

Community Recognized Need

Public health professionals and policy makers must understand that oral health is essential to general health and well-being at every stage of life. (Surgeon General)

Sufficient Community Resources

People power Money Time Facilities Supplies Equipment Legislative authority

All must be available for start up and continuation of a program. A programs potential can be greatly expanded by combining resources with other programs.

Cost Effectiveness

Cost effective programs deliver enough benefit to justify their cost. Ex: Community wide water fluoride Problem: Political issues may cause water fluoridation to be less popular than school based fluoride mouth rinse even though it is more cost effective.

Think About It!

Many oral health programs may be cost-effective based solely on their reduction in systemic diseases and related economic burden. Ex: diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight infants

Targeted Interventions

High-priority populations are targeted with appropriate interventions. Preventive interventions should be culturally appropriate. Language, health beliefs, dietary practices, child rearing practices, and other factors need to be considered.

Community Acceptance

Stakeholders-people who have the potential to be affected by a program. Stakeholders-decision makers, dental health professionals, community members and tax payers. Stakeholders acceptance is crucial to the success of programs.

Proactive Approach

Health promoting interventions are most effective if they strategically predict, plan and prevent potential crisis. In other words: It is better if a program is proactive rather than reactive. Ex: Promote use of mouth guards, helmets, and seat belts rather than treat preventable injuries.

Common Risk Factors

Factors that increase oral disease often increase risk for other diseases. Ex: Smoking, poor nutrition, and poor oral hygiene Integration of oral health into general health programs would confront multiple health issues at once.

Planning Models

Assessing Oral Health Needs: ASTDD Seven Step Model Logic Models Healthy People 2020 Precede-Proceed Model Healthy Communities 2000: Model Standards Mobilizing For Action Through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP)

Community Partners

It is vital to involve community partners through coalitions and collaborative approaches. All parties should be included throughout program development process. See page 78 for list of community partners