return of fluoride therapy to 80% coverage; A step for the health of students

According to Mehr News Agency reporter, Fluoride therapy As one of the effective ways to prevent tooth decay, it has been implemented in Iranian schools for many years. However, in recent years, the program's coverage has declined due to challenges such as the Corona pandemic and the spread of misinformation. In an interview, Zahra Ghorbani, the head of the Ministry of Health's Oral and Dental Health Office, explained the process of implementing this plan, challenges, and future plans to return to 80% coverage. This interview examines the role of the Ministry of Health and Education in the implementation Fluoride therapy and its importance for the health of students.

Check the situation Fluoride therapy Students in the country

Zahra Ghorbani, head of the oral and dental health office of the Ministry of Health, about the implementation of the program Fluoride therapy and related institutions told Mehr: Fluoride therapy Now in the form of material use varnish is done This substance, which sticks to the surface of the teeth, is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. “In fact, the Ministry of Health is the main responsible for this work, but because the target group is school students, this program is carried out with the cooperation of both ministries.” He added: “For children aged 3 to 6, this program is implemented twice a year in health centers and comprehensive health service centers. It is also done twice a year in schools for students from 6 to 12 years old.

Program coverage Fluoride therapy in the country

Ghorbani further stated about the demographic coverage of this program: the program Fluoride therapy It has been running for years. In 1993 and 1994, about 80% of students were covered. But unfortunately, after the spread of Corona and for other reasons, such as issues related to the supply of material and the spread of false information in cyberspace, this coverage decreased. However, it is planned that from next year, with the provision of suitable materials and the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, the population coverage of this program will reach over 80% again.

He emphasized: There is no problem in terms of funding and education cooperation. Funding is done every year and is approved by the Ministry of Health. The cooperation of the Ministry of Education has been very strong, especially in this government. For example, just last Wednesday, the commencement ceremony Fluoride therapy It was held for nomadic students in cooperation with education.

Implementation of the program in deprived areas

The head of the oral and dental health office of the Ministry of Health said about the implementation of this program in deprived areas: the program Fluoride therapy It has been notified to all 62 faculties and universities of medical sciences in the country to start its implementation with priority in deprived and rural areas. This program has been started in all provinces in the same way, and nomadic areas are also identified and covered in close cooperation with education.

He pointed out that the final goal of the Ministry of Health is to implement this program with high coverage for all students in the country, because the risk of tooth decay among students is very high.

Supervision and implementation training Fluoride therapy

Ghorbani said about monitoring the implementation of this plan: Fluoride therapy Using material varnish It does not require the presence of a dentist. This can be done by health care workers, therapists, and even trained health volunteers. The way to do it is that the teeth are dry and the material varnish It is applied as a liquid on the teeth. Then you should avoid eating and drinking for at least an hour for the substance to take effect.

He added: If problems are detected in the students' teeth during the implementation of the program, they will be referred to a dentist for treatment. This plan also includes providing examinations and identifying problematic teeth for each student. Families are also informed about the condition of their children's teeth and can benefit from government services with low tariffs.

In the end, he said: Currently, tooth number 6, which is considered the first permanent tooth, is provided at a very reduced cost. With the cooperation of insurance companies, we are trying to cover other dental services for children under the age of 14 so that families face fewer problems in paying medical expenses.