Efforts to enhance the awareness in significance of early detection for dental and oral diseases in the society 5.0

Abstract

Oral health is an integral part of overall well-being that demands attention from every individual. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various oral diseases, including dental caries. This community service program aimed to enhance students' understanding of oral health, encourage regular dental checkups, and promote preventive measures against oral diseases through the utilization of various digital tools, including an early detection screening application. Health education sessions were conducted, incorporating pre- and post-tests to evaluate learning outcomes. Additionally, clinical examinations were carried out to assess students' oral health status. The results were encouraging, counseling and education sessions significantly increased knowledge and awareness in over half the participants (55%). However, clinical examinations revealed that a substantial portion (36 students) had unhealthy oral hygiene, highlighting the need for continuous education and preventive strategies.