Experimental validation of an AI-driven digital healthcare platform for oral health behavior and plaque assessment among vietnamese children

Background Oral health among children in developing countries, including Vietnam, remains a significant public health concern. Innovative approaches leveraging artificial intelligence AI-based digital health platforms may offer effective strategies for managing dental plaque and promoting better oral hygiene behaviors among school-aged children. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-driven oral healthcare platform ( Denti-I Vietnam ) in improving oral hygiene and behavioral outcomes among Vietnamese primary school students. Methods A total of 204 primary school students aged 8–10 years in Hanoi, Vietnam, participated in this experimental study. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 107), which used the AI-driven oral healthcare platform, and a control group (n = 97), which received traditional oral health education via pamphlets. Oral health behaviors, dental plaque levels (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index; OHI-S), and caries indices (dft/DMFT) were assessed at baseline and after the intervention period. Results The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in the OHI-S score compared to baseline (2.49 ± 0.60 to 1.70 ± 0.76, p < 0.001), particularly in the debris component, indicating enhanced plaque control. Notable improvements were also observed in oral hygiene behaviors, including increased frequency of toothbrushing before and after breakfast ( p < 0.01) and more frequent parental assistance during brushing ( p = 0.03). Furthermore, parental awareness of dental caries significantly increased in the intervention group ( p = 0.001). Conclusions The AI-driven oral healthcare platform significantly improved both oral hygiene behaviors and plaque control among Vietnamese primary school children. These findings suggest that AI-driven digital health tools can serve as practical and scalable solutions for promoting oral health in developing countries.