Evaluation of Selected Oral Health Education and Promotion Activities of the National Caries Program, National Institute of Dental Research

摘要

The purpose of the project has been to evaluate selected health education/promotion activities of the National Institute of Dental Research, related to caries prevention, which were initiated in 1977 as part of the former National Caries Program. The project used data from U.S. dental hygiene education program directors and faculty as the evaluation population. Data were collected by mail questionnaire between November 1984 and May 1985. Data analyzed were provided by 183 (of 200) program directors and 718 faculty from 168 programs. Data are analyzed according to four sets of dependent variables: caries prevention knowledge and opinions, program content on caries prevention, faculty emphasis on caries prevention and perceived need for caries prevention teaching resources. The primary set of independent variables described the type, amount and quality of contact between respondents and NIDR health education/promotion activities. NIDR's activities are clearly successful. They are reaching the population effectively and are potent influences on knowledge and opinions, and the teaching of caries prevention. Additional resources are needed. NIDR should continue and expand these activities.