Empowering health workforce for oral health outreach in 
Iran’ primary schools: The sixth tooth celebration

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Journal Paper

Paper Information

Journal: Research and Development in Medical Education Year:2025 | Volume:14 | Issue:1 Page(s): 1-6

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Information Journal Paper

Title

Empowering health workforce for oral health outreach in Iran’ primary schools: The sixth tooth celebration

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| Issue Writer Certificate

Keywords

Community oral health

Primary health care (PHC)

Health workforce empowerment

Social accountability in health education

Dental caries

Oral health

Abstract

Background: The first permanent molar plays a vital role in long-term oral health, yet awareness
among parents of young children remains limited. This initiative aimed to empower Iran’s
community health workforce—including primary health care (PHC) staff, dental students,
and volunteers—to implement the “Sixth Tooth Celebration,” an oral health education
program targeting first-grade students and their parents in East Azerbaijan. Grounded in social
accountability, the program was integrated into Iran’s PHC system.
Methods: The intervention was carried out in two phases: a pilot in selected Tabriz schools
(2022–2023), followed by a province-wide rollout in fall 2024. Cascade training was conducted
in both in-person and online formats for school health educators, PHC staff, dental students,
and private-sector dental professionals. Educational materials included a themed poem, posters,
PowerPoint slides, and tooth models. The evaluation followed Kirkpatrick’s four-level model:
reaction, learning, behavior, and results.
Results: Approximately 300 participants were directly trained by the lead educator through
workshops and webinars. These trained individuals then conducted local sessions in their
districts. The “Sixth Tooth Celebration” was ultimately implemented in 927 schools across 21
counties. Surveys completed by 30 facilitators indicated high satisfaction with training, improved
educational delivery skills, and positive community response. Feedback was used to adjust and
enhance the program.
Conclusion: This initiative demonstrates how localized capacity-building and curriculum
integration can advance socially accountable oral health promotion. With strong support from
the Ministries of Health and Education, the program has gained national attention and is now
under review for formal nationwide adoption.

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