Tooth decay is a common oral health issue in most communities around the world. Dental caries are widespread among children aged between 2 and 11 years. Moreover, dental caries are common among adolescents and adults. Tooth decay is usually caused by poor oral care; the disease is preventable. This paper will discuss community-level theories that can be utilized to help plan caries prevention programs. The paper will also identify variables that would be targeted when implementing caries prevention programs (Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2013).
Caries Prevention
Dental caries are caused by poor oral care among the affected group. In fact, dental caries is considered one of the most prevalent chronic diseases that affect children and adolescents. While dental caries is treatable, it is advisable that it be prevented to avert its repercussions. Most prevention techniques include fluoridation of community water and sealant programs in schools (CDC, 2013).
Community-Level Theories
Past research has shown that dental caries contributes to teeth deformities in adolescents and adults. Besides, it has been shown that if left untreated, caries can lead to extensive tooth decay thereby destroying the tooth. Prevention of tooth decay is, therefore, necessary to curb its effect on the most affected groups. Preventive measures are only suitable if they can be implemented within the community. To achieve implementation, effective community-level theories need to be applied to help spur behavioral change. These theories include the community organization model and diffusion of innovations theory. Public health approaches utilize community-level theories to prevent and control diseases (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2005).
Community Organization Model
The community organization model creates a platform for public health officials to identify and help communities to prevent caries. Health workers can achieve their goal by identifying the most affected groups such as adolescents and children. Health workers can then plan as well as implement effective interventions to address tooth decay issues. This model requires the active participation of the community to achieve caries preventive goals among the targeted groups. This model involves social planning as well as action. In addition, it entails locality development. Based on its ability to create awareness and necessitate action, the model is important in planning caries prevention programs. This can be achieved through social marketing within the communities targeted (NCI, 2005).
Diffusion of Innovations Theory
Diffusion of innovations theory can necessitate adoption of new ideas or behaviors within the community to help curb spread of caries. Ideas such as flossing and brushing of teeth can be adopted within the community through the theory. This theory can enable planning of caries preventive program to target various groups with respect to their adoption rates. For instance, adults can adopt ideas faster than adolescents and children. Therefore, techniques utilized in rolling out prevention programs for adolescents would differ from that of adults. This will depend on concepts of the theory such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability (NCI, 2005).
Variables Targeted
When conducting community-level intervention for caries prevention, social marketing is necessary to increase community participation. Social planning should be carried out to ascertain the targeted variables (Georgia Collaborative Task Force [GCTF], (2004). For instance, a number of variables would be targeted when rolling out caries prevention program. These include community groups such as school cafeteria, parents, teachers, children, and professionals. Other targeted variables include the most affected groups such as children and adolescents. Still other variables would include age, ethnicity and economic status of the targeted groups.
References
Center for Disease Control [CDC]. (2013). Preventing dental caries with community programs. Web.
Georgia Collaborative Task Force [GCTF]. (2004). Social marketing plan. Web.
National Cancer Institute [NCI]. (2005). Theory at a glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice.