[A study on the effectiveness of dental health guidance in the workplace in Aomori Prefecture: Implementation of the Dental Lifestyle Support Program focusing on primary prevention of dental diseases].

Abstract

Objective　The study aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of dental health guidance in improving self-reported oral symptoms and oral health behaviors through two interventions: dental checkups using the Dental Lifestyle Support Program questionnaire and dental health guidance provided by dental hygienists in workplace settings.Methods　This study targeted employees without dental checkups at five workplaces in the Aomori Prefecture. Support materials ("tools") were created based on the Dental Lifestyle Support Program. An initial 21-item questionnaire survey was conducted at each facility. After completing the survey, participants were alternately assigned to ensure equal numbers in both groups: the individualized guidance group, who received the survey results and tools, followed by a five-minute individual dental health guidance session using the tools; and the information-only group, who received only the results and tools without further guidance. Three months later, the same questionnaire survey was conducted. Changes within groups were analyzed using McNemar's test, and between-group changes were assessed using a logistic regression.Results　Of 448 participants, 411 were analyzed (individual guidance group: 204; information-only group: 207). The male-to-female ratios were 74:130 and 67:140, respectively, with median ages of 45 (IQR36-53) years and 42 (IQR34-54) years. Within-group comparisons revealed significant improvements in oral symptoms and behaviors in both groups. The individualized guidance group showed improvements in one item related to oral health issues, two oral condition items, and four oral health behavior items, whereas the information-only group showed improvements in one item related to oral issues, one environmental support item, and one oral health behavior item. Between-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement in "snack intake" for the individualized guidance group.Conclusion　Both groups showed positive changes in oral symptoms and health behaviors with minimal differences between them. Results of the intervention suggest that dental health guidance is effective in improving oral symptoms and health behaviors in workplaces where dental checkups are not provided.