[Evaluation of the action « M'T Dents » for 6-year-old schoolchildren on two deprived neighborhoods in Marseille, France].

Abstract

Background: This study aims to analyze the effects of the national program for individual dental prevention "M'T Dents" to 6-years-old children living in the neighborhoods of deprived areas Saint-Mauront and Belle de Mai from 2009 to 2012 (Marseille, France). These children having received an additional collective awareness and individual monitoring as part of the experimental program of health promotion "La Santé à Saint Mauront - Belle de Mai: on s’y met tous!" led by the PACA Regional Health Agency.

Materials and methods: Awareness sessions in oral hygiene were led in CP grades of 5 schools and each child was then followed and encouraged to resort to dentist. Data on the use of the bucco-dental examination (BDE), the use of consecutive care and the oral health status of children were collected.

Results: Of the three years considered by this study, 56 classes and more than 1000 children were involved by this prevention program. The average use of BDE was 27.70%. Among children who received the BDE, 44.33% required treatment, approximately 26% with 1-3 untreated caries, 12%: 4-6 caries and 6%: 7 caries or more. Nearly 60% were completely cured, 15% partially and 25% not treated within 6 months following the BDE. Care utilization varied by initial caries index: the percentage of children fully treated was significantly higher for children with 1-3 caries than those with 4-6 caries (p <0.05) and those with 7 caries or more (p < 0.001) when the BDE.

Conclusion: Modes of action that are reinforced in this territory seem possible to achieve results comparable to those observed in the same age group at the national level for children. More children were able to use the dentist and receive consecutive care under this program contributes to reducing inequalities in oral health.