Characterization of oral health literacy and strategies for development in the future

Abstract

Background: Oral health literacy is a critical determinant of health outcomes, influencing personal behaviors, decision-making, and access to dental care. In many countries, including Portugal, insufficient oral health literacy is associated with preventable oral diseases and increasing health inequalities. Methods: This study conducted a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines, using multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane) to identify empirical studies from the past ten years that implemented interventions aimed at improving oral health literacy. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute criteria. Results: Eighteen studies were identified and analyzed. The strategies found included school-based interventions (such as the Childsmile program and Social Cognitive Theory-based programs), mobile health applications, educational initiatives targeted at caregivers, national policy frameworks, and training programs for dental health professionals. Most of these interventions demonstrated positive impacts on knowledge, behavior, and preventive oral health practices. Conclusion: Global interventions to improve oral health literacy offer promising models for adaptation in Portugal. Key strategies such as the development of a national oral health literacy policy, integration into school curricula, professional training, and the use of digital tools can be tailored to the Portuguese context to reduce oral health inequalities, and promote better population health.

Date of Award	8 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nélio Jorge Veiga (Supervisor) & Pedro Lopes (Co-Supervisor)