Public Health Assignment: Oral Health, Systems, and Promotion

This assignment delves into various aspects of oral health, beginning with the student's approach to addressing unanswered questions and the referral system for staff. It then explores methods for planning and delivering oral health care, considering social, cultural, environmental, and psychological factors. The assignment further examines the basic principles of a population health approach, including demographic and social trends, UK and international oral health trends, determinants of health, and health inequalities. It also evaluates evidence-based prevention strategies within dental and wider healthcare systems, including the roles of CQC, DoFH, NICE, and BASCD. Additionally, it investigates the role of health promotion in influencing behaviors and environments. Finally, it outlines effective communication methods for diverse patient groups, including adults, children, older people, and individuals with special needs, addressing specific oral health issues for each.

1. DN5 1.4, 1.7
If you were asked a question on Oral Health you were unable to answer. What would you do?
If you had to refer to another member of staff what system is in place?
Oral health is the major factor of well being, overall health and quality of life. The WHO
states that it is the state where the individual is free from mouth problems, oral infection and
sores, tooth decay, throat cancer, gum disease and other disorders that give problem to human
beings in chewing, biting, smiling and speaking. When I was asked about Oral health, I was
unable to answer this made up my mind to get information about oral health and what are the
risks involved in it. I will talk to my colleagues and friends regarding need of oral health care
and try to aware other people about the same.
2. DN5 3.1,3.2. LO1 range2abcd
Describe methods of how oral health care can be planned and delivered. Think about factors
that contribute to health and illness such as social factors, religious/cultural/ethical,
environmental and psychological.
It is essential for individuals to plan oral health care. There are different ways to plan
and deliver it -
 Visit dentist regularly for check up of mouth conditions.
 People should follow a daily routine to analyse their oral health condition.
 Fluoride can be used by people to prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth in
children.
 It is advisable to people to brush and floss daily.
Factors that influence the health and illness of an individual are discussed below-
 Social- Social norms and attitude, educational opportunity and availability of
resources like food, shelter affects health.
 Cultural- The individual's health is dependent on culture and surroundings of the
people. Extreme cold or hot temperature, positive culture is good for a person's
wellness.
 Environmental- The surroundings of the individual should be clean and hygienic
otherwise it will negatively affect the health of the person.
 Psychological- A positive mind set leads to stay fit and fine.
3. DN5 4.1
Describe the basic principles of a population health approach, how these are measured and
current patterns, for:
· demographic and social trends
· UK and international oral health trends
· determinants of health
· inequalities in health.

Population health approach is a health approach which has an objective to improve
health and reduce health inequalities of whole population. The different principles of this
approach are discussed below-
 It is important to evaluate the health outcomes of different group of individuals before
developing priorities and target action.
 The conditions where people are born and grown up, live and work has to be
identified for reaching to a health outcome.
 Community collaboratives, public health programs and accountable care organisations
are there which connects community based resources and address mental and physical
health.
 There are funding models which support improvements in health of population and
this includes primary prevention and wellness.
4. DN5 4.1 range 1a-d
Describe the relevance of evidence based prevention to improve oral health by evaluating
Dental and wider healthcare systems. (include CQC, DofH, NICE and BASCD).
It is important to improvise health of individuals for a better society. A healthy
surrounding has a positive impact on mental and physical health. There are several
organisations that take care of oral health of population.
 CQC It is a care quality commission that is a independent regulator of health and
social care. This ensures regulation of services to meet standards of safety and
quality.
 DOFH is a health organisation which aims to influence young people to take steps for
improving their health and well being. The preventive care benefits are given by
offering health insurance plans.
 NICE is an organisation which takes care of the government policies, procedures and
publications about health. It provides guidance and service for public health,
resources that maximise the use of this guidance and advice and social care.
 BASCD is a UK association for philosophy, science and practise for awareness of oral
health in the society.
5. DN5 4.3
Describe and evaluate the role of health promotion in terms of the changing environment,
community and individual behaviours to deliver health gain.
Health promotion is the process to make people improve and control their health.
Health plays an important role in individual's life in creating a good and positive environment
to live in.
 Sharing information and developing community programs- Health programs are
initiated to aware people about health issues.
 Knowledge of alcohol, tobacco and drugs- Individuals are given information about
harms of tobacco and drugs.
 Promoting regular health check-ups- Individuals should go for regular oral health
check-ups to ensure healthy lifestyle.

6. DN5 LO1 range 1a-d, 2a-d
What is the best method of communication for the following patient types for the named
issues:
Adults: videos, audio and verbal communication, speeches, discussions in schools and
colleges on gum disease can be conducted.
Children: They are given speeches about the importance of proper and nutritious food diet.
Older people: Current OH routine can be explained by health specialists and doctors
People with special needs: Tooth decay or caries information should be given to people
suffering from cancer, specially abed people by the use of different videos and pamphlets.