Online Training Program for Oral Hygiene

(GRIN Trial)

This trial explores how an online training program can help community health workers (CHWs) improve dental health outreach for high-risk youth by collaborating with their guardians. The study compares different components of the GRIN course, a professional development program, to determine which part is most effective. Participants should be active CHWs with at least six months of experience in outreach activities, such as home visits or health education at community events, and must have internet access. As an unphased trial, this study offers CHWs the chance to enhance their skills and make a meaningful impact on youth dental health.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on an online training program for oral hygiene.

Research has shown that the GRIN course is safe and well-received. As a training program for community health workers, not a medical treatment, it has no reports of negative effects. Evidence suggests that those who complete the GRIN training are better equipped to assist others with dental care, especially in low-income communities. The course is safe for participants, focusing on learning and community support.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the GRIN program because it offers a fresh approach to enhancing oral hygiene through an online training platform specifically for Community Health Workers (CHWs). Unlike traditional methods that might involve in-person workshops or printed materials, GRIN leverages digital lessons to provide flexible and accessible professional development. This innovative method aims to improve dental health care delivery by equipping CHWs with comprehensive knowledge and skills that can be readily applied in their communities. The program is broken down into distinct parts, allowing for focused learning and practical application, which is a departure from more static, one-size-fits-all approaches.

Studies have shown that the GRIN course increases the dental health knowledge of community health workers (CHWs). This trial will evaluate different parts of the GRIN course, with some participants receiving the full course (Lessons 1-8), while others receive only Part 1 (Lessons 1-4) or Part 2 (Lesson 1, 5-8). This training helps CHWs support high-risk youth by educating their guardians, especially in communities with fewer resources. Research indicates that the course enhances CHWs' skills in promoting oral health. Initial findings suggest that participants in the GRIN course feel more confident and prepared to share this important health information. While specific data on long-term effectiveness is still being gathered, the course's focus on health equity offers a promising way to address differences in oral health care.²⁶⁷⁸⁹