Systematization of the Healthy Smiles Program implemented in Manizales, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: In the Colombian health system there are barriers in the access to dental care. An alternative mechanism was creating the Foundation "A Life of Wellbeing", financed by the Venture Philanthropy Swiss Fund. The Foundation has implemented the oral health program "Healthy Smiles", structured along three stages plus a research study about the experience to identify lessons learned and recommendations.

Objective: Describe the experience of the "Healthy Smiles" program in Manizales, Colombia.

Methods: A mixed approach study was conducted. The population was 1 252 children, their parents or caregivers and 32 actors related to the program. The activities performed included a document review of the 1 252 medical records of the children, knowledge, attitude and practice surveys with 240 children and 173 parents, satisfaction surveys with 176 parents, in-depth interviews with 32 parents and participatory observation during the medical care of the children.

Results: In Stage 1 the medical records showed that the children were affected by dental caries, malocclusions and the presence of dental plaque, placing them in a medium-to-high risk level for caries. In Stage 2 the children received treatment in keeping with the diagnoses and risk factors. Orthodontic and orthopedic needs were taken care of in Stage 3. The interviews found that parents and children were satisfied with the program. The item most highly valued was orthopedic care, since this procedure is not included in the country's health care plan.

Conclusions: Group educational interventions were based on a participatory model which applied the Information, Education and Communication strategy throughout the program. The specialized orthopedic and orthodontic treatment was a determining factor for incorporation and satisfaction.