Development of a Serious Game, Using Interactive Educational Technologies and User-Centered Methodologies, to Promote and Prevent Oral Health in Children Aged 7 to 10: Period 2025-2027

This applied research project develops a serious game to promote oral health in children aged 7 to 10 at the Eugenio Espejo Educational Unit in Cuenca, Ecuador. Given the high prevalence of dental caries and oral diseases in the Ecuadorian child population, the study proposes an innovative solution that combines education and entertainment (edutainment) to foster sustainable hygiene habits. The approach is quantitative and descriptive, integrating clinical characterization of oral health status using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and food diaries, alongside the assessment of students' prior knowledge. The methodology includes the design of a user-centered multiplatform application (Android/Web), validated through usability testing (SUS) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The project features a multidisciplinary team spanning dentistry, computer science, and psychology. It is expected that the tool will not only improve information retention and children's motivation but also serve as a replicable model for public health programs, reducing the burden of oral diseases and the costs associated with dental treatments in the long term.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>Develop an interactive serious game, based on user-centered methodologies, to promote oral health and prevent diseases in children aged 7 to 10. The project aims to improve hygiene habits and oral health knowledge through an educational technological tool.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Technology and innovation in comprehensive oral health<br/>Evidence-based dentistry and oral health promotion<br/>Dental care by life cycle and special needs