PROMOTING ORAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THROUGH COLLABORATION AMONG TEACHERS, DOCTORS, AND PARENTS : A CASE STUDY OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTER OF CHANTHABURI

Abstract

           This academic article aims to present approaches and processes for promoting oral health among children with special needs through the integrated collaboration of teachers, dental professionals, and parents. The initiative is grounded in the World Health Organization’s health promotion framework, which emphasizes empowering individuals and communities to sustainably manage and maintain their own health. It also incorporates the concept of interprofessional collaboration, which encourages professionals from various disciplines to work systematically together in order to achieve optimal health outcomes. The implementation was conducted following the PDCA quality management cycle. The process included collaborative planning among administrators, teachers, and dental professionals; oral health screening activities; providing oral health education and practical training for teachers and parents; organizing activities to promote students’ oral health care behaviors; facilitating access to dental services; and monitoring and evaluating changes in students’ oral health behaviors.
           The results indicated that oral health promotion through collaboration among teachers, dental professionals, and parents improved appropriate oral health care behaviors among children with special needs. The program also enhanced access to dental services and helped reduce oral health problems such as dental caries, gingivitis, and eating difficulties that may affect children’s development. In addition, it increased knowledge, understanding, and positive attitudes toward oral health care among teachers and parents, leading to the establishment of a continuous and sustainable oral health care system for children with special needs.