Effect of Oral Health Educational Program on Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Practices in a Group of Orphan Children: A Before and After Study

An orphan is defined as "a child under the age of 18 whose mother, father, both parents, and a primary caregiver has died, and who is in need of care or protection". Orphans, therefore, are considered disadvantaged and socially marginalized population whom diseases burden is high. Egypt has 1.7 million orphaned children. The number of children between the age of 0 and 17 who are currently registered in orphanages is 12,015. Dental diseases especially plaque, gingival and dental caries are highly preventable, with the highest prevalence in the developing countries. Profound disparities exist in oral health status across different social and economic divisions. The pattern of orphanage living is quite different from family living as the latter provides physical security, food, and shelter but is devoid of psychological security. High prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis and dental trauma has been observed in children of orphanages. This has been attributed to many factors such as: lack of adequate staff, poor oral hygiene, improper nutrition and eating patterns, high consumption of sugary food, negligence of tooth brushing, moreover the children and caregivers knowledge, level of education and oral health illiteracy. Untreated oral diseases could lead to psychological and general health problems, pain and loss in school time. Recognition of these problems is essential to provide optimum oral health for these deprived children. Health education is an important tool of public health and an effective primary preventive method especially for school aged children in controlling plaque, gingival and dental diseases.