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Current Advances in Oral Health Promotion
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Current Advances in Oral Health Promotion

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health and Preventive Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2027 | Viewed by 2415

Editor

Dr. Daniela Atili Brandini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba 16015-050, SP, Brazil
Interests: oral health promotion; periodontitis; traumatic oclusion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In these 30 years of practice, I have unfortunately seen many patients without teeth, bones, health knowledge, and financial resources. These factors do not contribute to the success of treatment based solely on professional qualification. Cavities and periodontitis are among the most common diseases in the human population. In advanced stages, they can lead to tooth loss and degradation of the alveolar bone, thereby compromising the function of the stomatognathic system. Additionally, these conditions may create infection sites that spread throughout the body, affecting overall health systemically. The adoption of preventive measures is essential for maintaining oral health and promoting a good quality of life at all stages of life.

We are pleased to invite you to join us in building knowledge for the promotion of oral health.

This Special Issue aims to present various initiatives in dentistry for promoting oral health at different levels—education, prevention, and treatment—both within clinical settings and beyond, with the goal of reaching a broader audience. Understanding the individual, collective, and political roles in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cavities and periodontitis, is essential for reducing their prevalence and improving public health.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. The role of public policies in promoting equity in oral health.
  2. Oral health education methods for improving care outcomes in the general population.
  3. The relationship between diet and nutrition and its impact on oral health promotion habits.
  4. Oral health strategies in the school environment.
  5. Fluoridation and oral health—evidence and clinical considerations.
  6. Dental protocols for preventing and controlling the development of cavities.
  7. Dentifrice benefits for oral health.
  8. Oral health in refugee populations—challenges and dental strategies in assisting vulnerable groups.
  9. Strategies for dental care management in patients with special needs.
  10. Dentoalveolar trauma as a public health issue—approaches and intervention protocols.
  11. Pacifier use in childhood—emotional impact and consequences for oral health development.
  12. Prevention of tooth loss in older adults—risk-based strategies and personalized care.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Daniela Atili Brandini
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • oral health promotion
  • caries
  • periodontitis
  • fluoride
  • oral health literacy
  • oral health prevention

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 19588 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of an Online Oral Health Education Module for Pakistani Parents Using the ADDIE Model
by Ushna Shameen, Elavarasi Kuppusamy, Farinawati Yazid, Haslina Rani, Muneer Gohar Babar and Muhammad Khan Asif
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121644 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 536
Abstract
Background: Parents play a pivotal role in influencing children’s oral health; thus, effective oral health education (OHE) is essential to equip them with the knowledge needed to support their children’s oral health care. In countries such as Pakistan, apart from limited access to [...] Read more.
Background: Parents play a pivotal role in influencing children’s oral health; thus, effective oral health education (OHE) is essential to equip them with the knowledge needed to support their children’s oral health care. In countries such as Pakistan, apart from limited access to dental care and socioeconomic barriers, the widespread lack of OHE is also an important factor contributing to the high prevalence of oral diseases. Conventional OHE approaches are often limited by passive delivery, lack of tailored content and poor accessibility. Social media platforms such as Facebook offer an accessible platform for health education; however, structured, validated, and tailored content is required. Aim: This study aims to develop and validate an online OHE module for Pakistani parents using the ADDIE instructional design model. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in two phases using the ADDIE model. Parental OHE needs were identified through a questionnaire. An Urdu-language module was developed based on these needs and expert recommendations. Content validation was performed by six experts, followed by face validation with 15 parents. Results: Needs assessment guided the development of a culturally appropriate module covering six main topics. Item-level Content Validity Index ranged from 0.83 to 1.00, with a Scale-level Content Validity Index of 0.94 and a Scale-level Face Validity Index of 0.97. Conclusions: The developed Facebook-delivered OHE module demonstrated high content and face validity and may serve as an accessible and practical strategy for improving parental OHE. Further studies are required to evaluate its effectiveness in improving oral health-related behaviours and outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Oral Health Promotion)
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18 pages, 2752 KB  
Article
Association Between Caries Risk and Public Water Fluoridation in Balsas, Maranhão: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Laura Valentina Borges Pes, Alanna Ramalho Mateus, Haylla de Faria Horta, Adrielle Ouchi Lopes, Brenda Renata Lopes Justo, João Victor de Araújo Narciso, Mariana Gabriel, Sérgio Alves Guida Freitas Júnior, Janaílla Ribeiro Moura, Caio Sampaio, Adolfo José da Mota, Wilson Galhego Garcia and Cristina Antoniali
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111592 - 5 Jun 2026
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Introduction/Objectives: Dental caries is a significant public health burden in Brazil, with regional disparities deeply affecting children in the North and Northeast. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of dental caries in preschool children from Balsas (MA) and investigated its association with [...] Read more.
Introduction/Objectives: Dental caries is a significant public health burden in Brazil, with regional disparities deeply affecting children in the North and Northeast. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of dental caries in preschool children from Balsas (MA) and investigated its association with fluoride concentrations in the public water supply. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 256 children (aged 3–5 years) enrolled in municipal schools. Schools were selected using a stratified sampling strategy based on the water network, with exposure validated via chemical analysis. Calibrated dentists performed examinations using the FOA-UNESP risk scale, assessing biofilm and gingivitis as objective clinical proxies for hygiene. Fluoride levels were analyzed using an ion-selective electrode. Statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal–Wallis, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). Results: Caries prevalence was 60.16%, with 41.8% of children in severe risk categories (F: 27.0%; G: 14.8%). Water analysis revealed universal hypofluoridation (0.02–0.34 µg F/mL). A significant association was found between residual fluoride (0.02 µg F/mL) and greater caries severity (p = 0.04). Poor hygiene markers (biofilm and gingivitis) were significantly associated with a higher number of decayed teeth (p < 0.05). MCA identified a cluster linking residual fluoridation to severe clinical conditions and social vulnerability. Conclusions: High caries prevalence associated with inadequate fluoridation highlights critical regional health inequalities in Balsas. These findings underscore the urgent need for policies ensuring universal water fluoridation and strengthening school-based preventive strategies to mitigate the impact of social determinants on child development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Oral Health Promotion)
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14 pages, 472 KB  
Article
Determinants of Definitive Full Pulpotomy Adoption in Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Multivariable Analysis of Dental Trainee Decision-Making
by Suzan Cangül, Özkan Adıgüzel, Makbule Taşyürek and Hatice Ortaç
Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101342 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 362
Abstract
Background: Full pulpotomy has gained increasing attention as a conservative treatment option for managing complicated crown fractures and pulp exposures in mature permanent teeth. However, little is known about how undergraduate dental students perceive this treatment approach and which factors influence their willingness [...] Read more.
Background: Full pulpotomy has gained increasing attention as a conservative treatment option for managing complicated crown fractures and pulp exposures in mature permanent teeth. However, little is known about how undergraduate dental students perceive this treatment approach and which factors influence their willingness to adopt it in clinical practice. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate undergraduate dental students’ knowledge, attitudes, and preferences regarding full pulpotomy and to identify factors associated with willingness to use full pulpotomy as a definitive treatment option. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among fourth- and fifth-year dental students. The questionnaire evaluated participants’ treatment preferences, perceived procedural difficulties, preferred pulp capping materials, attitudes toward rubber dam use, perceived barriers to full pulpotomy adoption, and willingness to use full pulpotomy as a definitive treatment. Associations between variables were assessed using chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 255 undergraduate dental students participated in the study. Spontaneous pain (69.4%), prolonged pain to heat (50.6%), percussion sensitivity (46.7%), and radiographic findings (43.9%) were the most frequently reported diagnostic criteria for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. In the standardized clinical scenario, a pulpotomy-based approach was the most preferred treatment strategy (45.1%), followed by single-visit pulpectomy with obturation (28.6%) and pulpectomy with calcium hydroxide dressing (24.7%). MTA was the most preferred pulp capping material (57.3%), followed by Biodentin (12.9%) and calcium hydroxide (8.2%). Overall, 55.7% of participants reported willingness to use full pulpotomy as a definitive treatment option. Clinical year, previous exposure to pulpotomy cases, and confidence in bleeding control were independently associated with willingness to use full pulpotomy. Previous performance of pulpotomy procedures and attitude toward mandatory rubber dam use were independently associated with greater willingness to use full pulpotomy, whereas perceived barriers and uncertainty regarding implementation were negatively associated. Conclusions: In this single-center, questionnaire-based study, undergraduate dental students generally showed a positive attitude toward full pulpotomy; however, acceptance was strongly influenced by practical experience, confidence in procedural protocols, and perceived implementation barriers. These findings may help inform future educational strategies aimed at improving confidence and supporting evidence-based adoption of conservative pulp-preserving approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Oral Health Promotion)
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Review

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16 pages, 616 KB  
Review
Minimally Invasive Interventions for Childhood Caries: A Scoping Review of Their Applicability in Public Health and Community Settings
by Giovanna Lima Fortunato, Gabriel Pereira Nunes, Isabela dos Santos de Deus, Priscila Toninatto Alves de Toledo, Guilherme Assumpção Silva, Cristina Antoniali Silva, Aimée Maria Guiotti and Daniela Atili Brandini
Healthcare 2026, 14(9), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14091155 - 25 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 619
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in childhood, disproportionately affecting socially vulnerable populations. This scoping review aimed to analyze the clinical effects of selected minimally invasive materials and approaches, specifically mouthrinses, fluoride varnishes, silver diamine fluoride, and glass [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in childhood, disproportionately affecting socially vulnerable populations. This scoping review aimed to analyze the clinical effects of selected minimally invasive materials and approaches, specifically mouthrinses, fluoride varnishes, silver diamine fluoride, and glass ionomer-based interventions, for the prevention and management of dental caries in pediatric patients, with emphasis on public health and community-based settings. Methods: This scoping review followed the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. Electronic searches were conducted up to 23 January 2026, using tailored strategies for mouthrinses, fluoride varnishes, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and glass ionomer cements (GICs). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. Data extraction and qualitative synthesis focused on clinical outcomes and applicability in public health contexts. Results: Fifty-five RCTs were included. Fluoride- or chlorhexidine-based mouthrinses showed potential in controlling cariogenic biofilm, with evidence primarily based on microbiological outcomes. Fluoride varnishes were associated with enamel remineralization and control of early white spot lesions, particularly in supervised programs. SDF was reported to achieve high caries’ arrest rates in cavitated dentin lesions of primary teeth, while its preventive effect on sound surfaces appeared comparable to other fluoride-based interventions. GICs were associated with acceptable clinical performance as pit-and-fissure sealants and in atraumatic restorative treatment. Conclusions: Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) approaches show promise for the prevention and management of childhood dental caries in public health and community-based settings. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures, the predominance of short-term and surrogate (microbiological) outcomes, and the absence of a formal risk-of-bias assessment. As a scoping review, the synthesis is narrative in nature, which limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Further studies with standardized clinical outcomes and longer follow-up are needed to strengthen the evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Oral Health Promotion)
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