TITLE: From Taro Roots to Dental Roots
AUTHORS: Mistie T

[DESCRIPTION]
This project aims to examine the impact of dietary shifts and cultural changes on dental health disparities. Through a literature review and field surveys, it will explore historical and contemporary dietary patterns, cultural practices, and their effects on dental health. 

[BEFORE_START]
Make sure all proper permits are obtained. 

[GUIDELINES]
1. Ethical Considerations:
Obtain informed consent from participants before conducting surveys, interviews, or dental examinations. 
Ensure confidentiality of participant information and data.
Respect cultural norms and practices when interacting with communities.

2. Research Team:
Train research team members, including local dentists and surveyors, on research protocols and ethical guidelines.
Assign roles and responsibilities clearly within the team.

3. Data Collection:
Use standardized survey questionnaires and interview guides to ensure consistency in data collection.

4. Community Engagement:
Engage with community leaders and members to gain their trust and support for the research project.
Communicate clearly about the purpose and goals of the research to the community.
Involve community members in the research process where possible.

5. Sustainability:
Consider the long-term impact of the research and how it can contribute to sustainable improvements in dental health in the Pacific Island region.
Identify opportunities for further research or interventions based on the findings of the study.

6. Collaboration:
Collaborate with local healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that the research is relevant and impactful.
Share knowledge and best practices with other researchers and organizations working in the field of dental health disparities.

[STEPS]
SECTION: Literature Review
1. Identify relevant literature on historical dietary patterns, cultural practices, oral health knowledge, and the impact of colonialism on the South Pacific Islands' populations.
SECTION: Data Collection
3. Pre-Colonial Era:
SECTION: Data Collection
3.1. Gather historical data through archaeological findings, anthropological studies, and documented accounts.
SECTION: Data Collection
3.2. Use this data to reconstruct dietary habits and oral health practices of pre-colonial Pacific Island communities.
SECTION: Data Analysis
12. Quantitative Data:
SECTION: Data Collection
4. Contemporary Era:
SECTION: Data Collection
4.1. Conduct field surveys and interviews within selected populations.
SECTION: Data Collection
4.2. Assess current dietary patterns, oral hygiene practices, and the prevalence of dental diseases.
SECTION: Data Collection
4.3. Utilize dental examinations, surveys, and interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data.
SECTION: Data Analysis
13. Qualitative Data:
SECTION: Data Analysis
12.1. Analyze dental examination results and survey responses using statistical techniques.
SECTION: Data Analysis
12.2. Identify patterns and associations between dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and dental health outcomes.
SECTION: Data Analysis
13.1. Analyze interview transcripts thematically to extract key insights and narratives.
SECTION: Data Analysis
13.2. Explore the cultural and social factors influencing dental health in the region.
SECTION: Literature Review
2. Compile and review the literature to gain insights into the historical context and factors influencing dental health disparities in the region.
SECTION: Field Study
5. Obtain necessary permissions from local authorities, schools, and parents to conduct the survey.
SECTION: Field Study
6. Prepare survey questionnaires with questions related to oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and dental health knowledge.
SECTION: Field Study
7. Assemble a team of local dentists and trained surveyors to conduct the field survey. Ensure that the survey team is familiar with the survey questionnaire and protocols.
SECTION: Field Study
8. Select a representative sample of grade schools from different regions or communities within the Pacific Island region.
SECTION: Field Study
9. Divide the students into groups based on grade level or age for ease of survey administration.
SECTION: Field Study
11. Include questions such as:
How many times a day do you brush your teeth?
What is your typical diet like? How often do you consume sugary foods and drinks?
Have you ever had a toothache or dental problems? Have you visited a dentist before?
Do you have access to dental care in your community? If yes, how often do you get checked?
SECTION: Field Study
7.1. Examining each individual's teeth.
SECTION: Field Study
10. Distribute the survey questionnaires to the students and provide instructions for completing them.
SECTION: Follow-Up Research
14. Conduct follow-up research to assess the effectiveness of proposed solutions and interventions.

SECTION: Follow-Up Research
15. Continue to monitor dental health trends in the region and advocate for policies that promote improved dental health outcomes.