The goal of this cluster-randomized trial is to learn if the SEHAT program works to improve oral health among school adolescents in Pakistan. It will also assess how the program affects oral health behaviors and knowledge. The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does the SEHAT program improve toothbrushing behavior and oral hygiene? 2. Does the SEHAT program reduce plaque and gingival scores among adolescents? 3. Does the program improve oral health knowledge and awareness?
Researchers will compare the SEHAT virtual intervention with conventional oral health education and a control group to see which approach is most effective.
Participants will:
1. Take part in either the virtual SEHAT session or conventional in-person oral health education, or receive no intervention (control) 2. Watch structured 30-minute sessions delivered via Zoom (virtual group) or classroom instruction (conventional group) 3. Participate in follow-up assessments to measure plaque, gingival indices, and oral health knowledge and behaviors.
Public high schools situated in the urban and rural areas of the Rawalpindi city, Punjab, Pakistan to account for the regional variations.
Single-gender schools housing classes 6th to 10th.
A minimum total enrollment of 300 - 500 students
A minimum of 30 students per section in the targeted grades (6th, 7th, and 8th).
Students currently undergoing active orthodontic treatment.
Students with physical or cognitive impairments that prevent the use of digital interfaces.
Students with systemic medical conditions that manifest as oral health complications.