Dental Care and Oral Health Promotion for Children and Adolescents at ULEAM Mobile Dental Clinic in the Southern Zone of Manabí, during the 2024-1 period

Abstract

Limited access to dental care services in rural and hard-to-reach communities represents a significant problem that affects the oral health of children and adolescents, favoring the persistence of preventable conditions such as dental caries and bacterial plaque accumulation. In response to this situation, the present study aimed to analyze the impact of dental care services and oral health promotion provided by the Mobile Dental Clinic of Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM) on child and adolescent populations in the southern area of Manabí province during the 2024 academic period-1. A descriptive observational study was conducted, with a retrospective cross-sectional design and a qualitative–quantitative approach, based on the review of clinical records and educational activities carried out. The results showed significant coverage in hard-to-reach communities, as well as a reduction in bacterial plaque presence and an improvement in oral hygiene habits; however, a high prevalence of untreated caries was identified, especially in the primary dentition. It is concluded that the Mobile Dental Clinic represents an effective strategy to improve access to oral health services and strengthen preventive education; however, it is necessary to reinforce early prevention actions and continuous follow-up to achieve a sustained impact on children’s oral health.