85 - Pediatric Outreach Programs: Patient Education and Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: To evaluate the longitudinal impact of pediatric community-based caries prevention strategies and advocate for increased prevention efforts in underserved communities. This study reviews the outcomes and effectiveness of prevention education and minimally invasive dentistry efforts within a school-based global outreach program in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Methods: Between 2023 and 2026, NYU Dentistry Global Outreach conducted four programs at a school-based site, encompassing 1369 visits of patients aged 3-11. A multi-pronged approach was taken, with the prevention education component including classroom-based oral health education and caregiver engagement sessions, and the minimally invasive dentistry component including fluoride varnish applications, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatments, and glass ionomer sealants. The prevention educational component was reinforced via daily hygiene routines. Dental education was provided to local partners to encourage continuity of oral hygiene practices.

Results: The baseline caries prevalence in 2023 was 68.4% and decreased to 49.9% in 2024, 44.6% in 2025, and 39.3% in 2026. Decreases persisted in the older age groups when comparing years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 (Age 3-5: 50%, 36.9%, 20%, 31.9%; Age 6-7: 73.8%, 62.4%, 38.3%, 39.7%; Age 8-11: 77.1%, 58.1%, 48.5%, 42.5% consecutively).

Conclusion: Caries is a preventable disease, and a multi-pronged prevention approach provides an opportunity to make a significant impact in underserved communities. The decrease in prevalence in older age groups is the strongest indication that multiple preventative interventions over time by this program have a cumulative effect in reducing community caries prevalence. This study provides further justification for sustainable, long-term global outreach programs.