Step 1: Gather information
Information provides the basis for understanding the oral health issue or inequalities
your programme will address, the population the programme will need to target and the
range of possible interventions that could make up the programme. It is critical that you
gather information at the start of the design process as this will be needed to inform the
remaining steps.
Your information collection should answer the following questions:
• What information exists on the oral health status of your community?
• Are there differences in oral health outcomes?
• What information exists on oral health promotion programmes and/or interventions?
• What are the key national strategies and policy documents relevant to oral health?
• What financial, workforce and infrastructure resources are available?
• What is already working well and may be supported or affected by a proposed
programme?
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