Which combination of local outreach activities was described?

• A. Fluoride varnish only
• B. Fluoride varnish and oral hygiene instruction
• C. Oral surgery outreach
• D. No local outreach activities

Answer: (B)

Combining preventive treatment with patient education is most effective in community dental outreach. Fluoride varnish reduces caries risk by strengthening enamel, a quick, scalable preventive step. Pairing it with oral hygiene instruction adds the essential education component—teaching correct brushing and flossing techniques, plaque control, and dietary choices—to help people maintain better oral health after the varnish wears off. This joint approach is more comprehensive than varnish alone, and it aligns with outreach goals of prevention and empowerment, unlike focusing on surgical services or skipping outreach entirely.