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Stein C, Lopes Santos NM, Hilgert JB, Hugo FN. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2018; 46: 30–37

Oral health education interventions by dental care professionals (dentists, hygienists, dental nurses) in schools include supervised tooth brushing, giving dietary information and advice about oral hygiene and dental diseases. Using the Cochrane methodology, this meta-analysis examined relevant literature from the past 20 years (updating a similar review published in 1996) to assess the effectiveness of such interventions.

Twelve studies were found to fit the criteria used, and were included in a qualitative analysis but because of differences in reporting methods, only six could be used in the quantitative meta-analysis. Studies varied in length between 6 months and 3 years. Studies using caries as an outcome showed conflicting results, but most of those based on plaque index indicated some improvement over the study periods. The interventions used, based largely on information transfer, may be more effective if organised 'according to children's development period' and include more active engagement with families.