Impact of oral health education regarding an e-leaflet on children - brushing and diet guide for children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: COVID -19 led to closure of many dental services, reducing the help and support for children and families. During COVID-19, many of the emergency calls received were regarding children with caries, which lead to pain and infection. We are concerned that decay rates for children may increase during the pandemic, whilst children are at home and access to dentistry is limited.Aim: Our aim was to try target children with high caries risk by educating children and families in the form of an E-leaflet. The use of IT and technology has increased during the pandemic. Children are also familiar with E-learning.Methods: Information gathering – assessing current information within the trust. Leaflet design alongside an illustrator, to ensure child-friendly. We used an online to obtain feedback. The leaflet was sent electronically.Result: Positive feedback was gained, relating to its child friendly layout and easy-to-read format.Conclusions: The E-leaflet has been a successful, cost effective and eco-friendly method of information sharing, in a time where face-to face appointments were not possible.