Global school models advancing innovation, equity and sustainability in oral health
1
School of Public and Global Policy, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver, Canada
2
Oral Health Work Group, World Federation of Public Health Associations, Geneva, Switzerland
3
School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, Democratic Peoples Republic of
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Every year, millions of schoolchildren suffer preventable pain, missed learning, and lifelong disadvantage because of untreated dental caries, the most common chronic disease of childhood. Schools offer a strong platform to transform this reality: they can prevent disease early, foster healthy habits, and advance equity across generations. To highlight effective action, the World Federation of Public Health Associations Oral Health Work Group developed the Global School Oral Health Casebook, showcasing innovative, equitable and sustainable models from different regions.
METHODS:
We identified exemplary programs through a global call for submissions, literature review, and expert recommendations. Selection criteria included innovation, equity focus, cultural relevance, measurable outcomes, and adaptability. Eight programs met the criteria, representing all six World Health Organization regions: Canada, Brazil, Scotland, Cook Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Indonesia, and Armenia. We compiled data from structured questionnaires, program documents, and interviews to capture context, implementation, challenges, and outcomes.
RESULTS:
All programs focussed on prevention-first strategies including oral health education, supervised toothbrushing, fluoride varnish, sealants, and rinses as core activities. Seven programs engaged communities by involving parents, teachers, and leaders, embedding cultural relevance and sustainability. Six programs integrated oral health into national health or school systems. Impacts reported include: Tonga reaching 99% of schoolchildren with nearly eliminated untreated caries; Scotland increasing the proportion of caries-free 5-year-olds from 45% to 74%; Armenia reducing untreated caries by 27% in just six months while screenings increased tenfold; and Quebec narrowing socioeconomic disparities in caries prevalence. Improved school attendance, higher oral health literacy, and adoption of supportive policies in three countries were additional benefits.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Global School Oral Health Casebook demonstrates that prevention, community involvement, and system integration can deliver inclusive, sustainable improvements in children’s oral health. These models show how schools can close gaps and build healthier futures from the earliest years of life.
Every year, millions of schoolchildren suffer preventable pain, missed learning, and lifelong disadvantage because of untreated dental caries, the most common chronic disease of childhood. Schools offer a strong platform to transform this reality: they can prevent disease early, foster healthy habits, and advance equity across generations. To highlight effective action, the World Federation of Public Health Associations Oral Health Work Group developed the Global School Oral Health Casebook, showcasing innovative, equitable and sustainable models from different regions.
METHODS:
We identified exemplary programs through a global call for submissions, literature review, and expert recommendations. Selection criteria included innovation, equity focus, cultural relevance, measurable outcomes, and adaptability. Eight programs met the criteria, representing all six World Health Organization regions: Canada, Brazil, Scotland, Cook Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Indonesia, and Armenia. We compiled data from structured questionnaires, program documents, and interviews to capture context, implementation, challenges, and outcomes.
RESULTS:
All programs focussed on prevention-first strategies including oral health education, supervised toothbrushing, fluoride varnish, sealants, and rinses as core activities. Seven programs engaged communities by involving parents, teachers, and leaders, embedding cultural relevance and sustainability. Six programs integrated oral health into national health or school systems. Impacts reported include: Tonga reaching 99% of schoolchildren with nearly eliminated untreated caries; Scotland increasing the proportion of caries-free 5-year-olds from 45% to 74%; Armenia reducing untreated caries by 27% in just six months while screenings increased tenfold; and Quebec narrowing socioeconomic disparities in caries prevalence. Improved school attendance, higher oral health literacy, and adoption of supportive policies in three countries were additional benefits.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Global School Oral Health Casebook demonstrates that prevention, community involvement, and system integration can deliver inclusive, sustainable improvements in children’s oral health. These models show how schools can close gaps and build healthier futures from the earliest years of life.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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