Elderly Oral Health Promotion Campaign

To implement the Elderly Oral Health Improvement Initiative, we have thoroughly carried out the Healthy Oral Action Plan (2019–2025) and relevant policies of Henan Province. Aligning with the actual needs of elderly oral health, we have actively conducted a series of activities and training programs aimed at enhancing oral health standards among the elderly. In accordance with the project objectives, the promotion campaign for elderly oral health has been extensively rolled out across Henan Province. Additionally, we have organized the highest number of public welfare training workshops on high-quality, standardized, and appropriate technologies.

Through distributing educational pamphlets, producing promotional videos, and leveraging traditional media such as Henan TV and Medicine and Health News, as well as social platforms like Douyin, Kuaishou, and WeChat official accounts, we have comprehensively elevated the capacity of elderly oral health services.

I. Overview of the Campaign

Closely aligned with the national goals of the Elderly Oral Health Improvement Initiative, we have carried out a series of targeted activities addressing the needs of the elderly population. These initiatives covered science popularization, technical training, free clinics, and more, adopting professional and systematic approaches to enhance the oral health service capabilities of grassroots medical staff while providing high-quality oral care for the elderly. The campaign garnered widespread attention and active participation, particularly in community health centers and residential areas.

We organized training workshops on appropriate technologies, oral health lectures, and free clinic services, disseminating knowledge and skills in periodontal basic treatment to grassroots levels, thereby improving oral health among elderly populations in multiple regions. These efforts were extensively covered by media outlets such as Henan TV and Medicine and Health News, further amplifying the reach of oral health awareness.

1. Elderly Oral Health Knowledge Dissemination

To raise awareness among the elderly, we conducted various educational activities. Aligning with the National Teeth Care Day theme, we promoted oral health knowledge through community health centers, medical institutions, and senior care homes. Additionally, we held lecture series in primary and secondary schools, including Zhengzhou High-Tech Zone Xingzhi Middle School, Liuyu Foreign Language Primary School, Hongda Road Primary School, Henan Province Second Experimental Middle School (Primary Division), and Zhengdong New District Changhe Street Primary School. These sessions emphasized the importance of oral health for the elderly while teaching students fundamental oral care practices.

We also published educational articles and videos on WeChat official accounts and social media platforms (e.g., Douyin, Kuaishou, Xiaohongshu) to reach a broader audience.

2. Elderly Oral Health Public Welfare Activities

We consistently organized public welfare activities, offering free oral health checkups and lectures in communities and neighborhood offices. A total of 25 such events were held in Huaxian County, Gongyi, Zhengzhou, Dengfeng, Jiaozuo, Xingyang, Xinxiang, Shangcheng County, Wanxianshan, and other regions.

3. Professional Capacity Building in Elderly Oral Health

To enhance the expertise of grassroots medical workers, we conducted 14 training sessions on appropriate technologies and 2 academic exchange lectures. The training covered the prevention and treatment of oral diseases prevalent among the elderly, such as periodontal disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. Leveraging the resources of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and the Henan Geriatric Oral Medicine Continuing Education Training Center, we delivered high-quality theoretical and hands-on training.

III. Public Feedback and Media Coverage

The campaign received widespread acclaim, particularly among the elderly and corporate employees. Workers from companies like Zhengzhou BYD participated in oral health lectures and free clinics, significantly raising awareness of workplace health management. Promotional materials, on-site photos, and training demonstrations were disseminated through multiple channels, greatly increasing public attention to oral health.

IV. Future Development and Recommendations

Despite notable achievements, elderly oral health remains a long-term challenge. To expand the campaign’s reach and impact, we will focus on the following:

1. Expanding Training Scope
   Future efforts will broaden the scale and coverage of continuing education workshops, particularly for medical staff in rural and remote areas, to extend elderly oral health services to more grassroots communities.
2. Deepening Elderly Oral Health Services
   As society ages, we will further refine elderly oral health management, introducing more tailored preventive and therapeutic programs.
3. Strengthening Media and Social Collaboration
   We will enhance cooperation with media outlets, using TV, radio, and online platforms to amplify oral health education and encourage public engagement.

V. Looking Ahead

Guided by the principle of "Safeguarding Oral Health, Nurturing Life’s Journey," we will continue advancing oral health initiatives under the "Whole-Life-Cycle Oral Health Management" framework. Our goal is to provide superior oral health services for the elderly in Henan and beyond, contributing to the Healthy China initiative and fostering a healthier aging society. In the coming year, through relentless effort and innovation, we aim to elevate elderly oral health standards and build a more health-conscious society for all ages.