Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XIX · Community Health and Research · 06

Community programs

Community water fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to bring fluoride to a whole community. School programs add sealants, weekly 0.2% sodium fluoride rinses, varnish, screenings and education. Good programs also plan for literacy and culture: use plain language and teach-back, and rely on trained interpreters rather than family members.

High-yield facts · 5

  1. School-based programs: sealants, weekly 0.2% NaF rinses, fluoride varnish, screenings and oral health education.S33S60
  2. Community water fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to a whole community.S32
  3. Oral health literacy: low literacy is linked to worse oral health; use plain language and teach-back.T9
  4. Cultural competence includes using trained interpreters (not family members) for patients with limited English.T9
  5. Community screenings use simple indices and refer anyone with urgent needs.T9

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.