Page 20 - Q BULLETIN, Ministry of Health Malaysia, VOLUME 1, NO. 31 (SUPPLEMENT 1), JAN-DEC 2022

Q Bulletin, Volume 1, No. 31 (Supplement 1), Jan - Dec 2022
th
11 National QA Convention, 4 – 6 October 2022
OP-06

Achieving Zero Number of Fake Braces Usage among School Children in SMK Seri Pantai

Nazatul Husna K , Intan Nadia Z , Ooi HT , Alvena Ann G , Chelsea Khor WP , Ong HJ , Chong ZW 2
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1 Cahaya Suria Dental Clinic, Kuala Lumpur
2 Bangsar Dental Clinic, Kuala Lumpur
SELECTION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT:
The usage of fake braces among school children in SMK Seri Pantai increased from one student (2018) to 28
students (2019), causing an increase in oral health problems which require treatment. Our project aimed to
achieve zero number of fake braces usage.

KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT:
The indicator is the number of fake braces used among school children in SMK Seri Pantai with the standard
of zero cases.

PROCESS OF GATHERING INFORMATION:
Fake braces users in SMK Sri Pantai were identified and recorded in patients’ treatment cards (L.P.8-1Pin.7/97).
Questionnaires and interviews were used to determine the contributing factors. The pre-remedial study was
conducted from June-August 2019, and for post remedial study, cycle 1 was from February-March 2020, while
cycle 2 was from April-May 2020.

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:
A total of 28 students were identified using fake braces in the pre-remedial phase. A survey among all students
revealed that 46.8% had the wrong information and misunderstood about fake braces. Additionally, a survey
among dental officers showed that 89.2% had seen fake braces cases, but 64.9% of them did not know how to
manage fake braces properly. All agreed that a guideline is required.

STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE:
Students using fake braces were referred to orthodontists for removal of fake braces, followed by a 3-months
review. Awareness talks and campaigns were given to all students while parents and teachers were informed
and educated via social media. Training for dental officers regarding the identification and management of fake
braces was conducted by orthodontists. A checklist was developed as a guide for dental officers. Intervention
implemented in collaboration with a dedicated promotion team.

EFFECT OF CHANGE:
The number of fake braces users reduced from 28 students to 21 students in cycle 1 and 8 students in cycle 2.

THE NEXT STEP:
Continuous effort and intervention will be reinforced in all dental clinics in Lembah Pantai to increase the
awareness of fake braces implications.

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