Experimental phase methodology
The experimental phase of the project was carried out between May and June 2026 at the Ampefy Public Primary School.
In agreement with the school principal, a class was selected consisting of 38 students aged between 6 and 12. This class was chosen based on the availability and cooperation of the lead teacher, a factor considered essential for ensuring the continuity of activities and the daily monitoring of oral hygiene practices. This initial period was designed as a pilot project, with the goal of verifying the effectiveness of the proposed educational activities and assessing the feasibility of subsequently extending the initiative to the entire school.
Activities began with a theoretical and practical training day dedicated to oral health, covering topics such as the function of teeth and gums, common oral diseases (cavities and gingivitis), proper prevention practices, and the importance of a healthy diet for dental health.
All children were provided with their own toothbrush and toothpaste, along with illustrated educational materials created specifically for the project.
During the first three weeks Change ETS volunteers visited the school daily to brush teeth together with the students and reinforce the proper brushing techniques learned during the training sessions. Weekly monitoring assessments were also conducted to observe the development of the children's practical skills and oral hygiene conditions.
Subsequently, the project entered a two-week phase of greater autonomy, during which the students continued to brush their teeth daily at home without the constant support of the volunteers.
At the end of the sixth week, a final assessment was conducted, aimed at verifying the effective acquisition of proper oral hygiene habits and measuring the results achieved during the trial.
Final results of the pilot phase – Six-week evaluation
Analysis of the questionnaires and final assessments conducted at the end of the six-week period shows a significant improvement in the practical skills and oral hygiene habits of the children involved in the project.
At the initial assessment, all 38 participating children (100%) showed clear signs of dental plaque.
At the end of the pilot phase, among the 36 children present for the final assessment (2 absent), it was observed that:
- 8 children, 22.2% no longer had visible dental plaque;
- 9 children, 25.0% had a significantly reduced amount of plaque compared to the initial situation;
- 19 children, 52.8% still had traces of plaque, while showing a general improvement in brushing techniques and attention to oral hygiene.
Overall, nearly half of the children evaluated, 47.2% achieved a clear improvement in their dental hygiene status within just the first six weeks of activity.
Brushing skills
Particularly significant was the improvement in practical tooth-brushing skills . The average score awarded during the practical test went from 5.6/10 at the start of the project to 9.6/10 at the final evaluation in the sixth week. The average increase of approximately 4 points demonstrates how effectively the children acquired the proper brushing techniques taught during the project, managing to apply them with greater precision and independence.
Beyond the quantitative results, it was possible to observe a growing independence among the children, who progressively transformed tooth brushing into a shared daily routine they looked forward to with enthusiasm. It was particularly encouraging to note that, even during the weeks of greater independence, most of the students continued to maintain the correct practices they had learned, confirming the effectiveness of the educational approach adopted.
Project expansion prospects
The pilot phase was carried out involving a single class of 38 students, but it represents the first step of a broader project that aims to gradually reach all students at the Ampefy Public Primary School. According to data provided by the school administration for the 2025-2026 school year, the institution hosts a total of 552 students (and 13 teachers).
Thanks to the funds raised, the goal for the next school year is to extend the project to the entire school, ensuring that each child receives a quarterly distribution of a toothbrush and toothpaste while continuing educational activities and oral health monitoring.
The hope is that this experience can serve as a replicable model for other schools in the area, helping to spread a culture of oral prevention from school age.
