Public Health Nurse as a Promoter of Oral Health in Children Under School Age (2cr)

Objective

The student recognises and understands the factors affecting the oral health of pre-school-aged children. The student deepens their competence in oral health. The student acquires the ability to integrate what they have learned into the work of a public health nurse in maternity and child health clinic work, in consultations, and in multiprofessional collaboration.

Content

The training provides a comprehensive overview of oral health care from the perspective of a public health nurse. The studies focus on promoting oral health as part of multidisciplinary collaboration, as well as on the structures and development of the dentition and occlusion. The training covers children’s oral health examinations, assessment of the development of dentition and occlusion, and the latest treatment recommendations for caries management. In addition, factors preventing oral health, their prevention, and the most common dental injuries in children and associated first aid measures are examined. Students receive guidance on the appropriate documentation of patient records and are introduced to practical methods and tools with which public health nurses can support and promote oral health in their own clinics.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Approved: The student recognises and understands the factors affecting the oral health of pre-school children. The student deepens their expertise in oral health. The student acquires the competence to integrate what they have learned into the work of a public health nurse in child health clinics, in reception settings and in multiprofessional collaboration. Failed: The student does not recognise or understand the factors affecting the oral health of pre-school children. The student does not possess the knowledge or the ability to integrate this information into working life.