GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To improve the buccal health of the child population in rural areas, small towns and villages.

TARGET POPULATION: School pupils from ages 5 to 12.

GROUNDS FOR THIS PROJECT:
For the children in the school age, this project is important because their milk teeth are progressively replaced by the permanent dentition. That is the reason why it is very important to reinforce their dental care habits in the schools, to prevent odonthologic diseases and, thus, to improve their quality of life when adults.

MAIN ACTIONS:
To have dental care professionals visit schools and make presentations upon buccal hygiene and health and nutritional advice. Moreover, school teachers and directors would also receive basic training and information on buccal health.
The work will be conducted with the parents and children, using educational material to inform and discuss on the promotion of buccal health. Toothbrushes and toothpaste will be distributed to the children and they will be taught on efficient toothbrushing techniques.
With the help of pedagogical and playing  activities, children will be taught on how to localize and identify their permanent teeth (incisor, canine, molar and premolar teeth). The buccal health professional will check the dentition of every pupil and register the medical data. Each case requiring further care would be reported to the Welfare Branch.

MONITORING STEP:
Every three months, the compliance of the planned actions will be monitored, stimulating the community and including new patterns to the program.

TARGET PLACE:
Education institutions of the rural areas, small towns and villages.