School Oral Health Program History
In 1992 Kuwait asked Forsyth to implement the program in the governorate (province) of Al Jahra. In 1998 the program expanded into all four of the governorates viz. Hawally, Al Farwaniya, Al Ahmadi and Al Jahra. In 2004 another province called Mubarak Al Kabeer is al
The program is based in the schools themselves, beginning at the elementary level and now expanded into the middle schools. The clinics are staffed by dentists, dental assistants, and other dental professionals. Elementary schools are the early focus of the program, based on the premise that establishing good oral health knowledge and behavior patterns early in life will carry through to later life. In the classrooms the children receive education concerning oral health. In the school dental clinics the children are screened for dental problems and are provided preventive and restorative care as needed. Dental hygiene information is given to the families as well. The program also carries out training for its professional staff.
Children can receive emergency care even if they have not been identified through the school screening program. The program has been expanded to run through the summer to provide both regular and emergency care for children.
Today there are approximately 300,000 school children covered under the program in the four governorates. It is estimated that 60-70% of these children receive either preventive or therapeutic treatments. There are over 400 staff involved in the program, from chairside caregivers to assistants, administrators, educators, and coordinators.
Funding is provided entirely by the Kuwait government. This program is efficient, works well within Kuwait, and serves the needs of the school children. Because the program eventually will be run entirely by the Kuwaitis, they are being trained in all aspects, from the direct professional chairside care delivery through all of the administrative channels - which are significantly different in Kuwait than they would be in the United States.
In a sense, then, Forsyth's original mission of providing oral health care to school children has come full-circle through Kuwait, bringing the professional skills of this venerable institution to children who are in need.
Read more about this topic: SOHP
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