Effectiveness of Dental Education Programme on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Dental Caries and its Management among School Children from Selected Schools of Kolar
AUTHORS
Harish Kumar A. R.,Professor and HOD Dept of Community Health Nursing, ETCM College of Nursing P B No 4, Kolar, India
Elia Vivek E. P.,Professor and HOD Dept of Community Health Nursing, ETCM College of Nursing P B No 4, Kolar, India
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted at schools to investigate the prevalence of dental caries and the effect of a dental education program on knowledge and attitude regarding dental caries and its management among School Children. An evaluative research approach with a one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted to collect data The prevalence of dental caries was determined using the DMFT/DMFS index using the World Health Organization criteria 1997. After obtaining ethical clearance and permission from authorities children were subjects for dental screening; Mouth mirror, probe, and explorer were used for carrying out the dental examination in the classroom under natural light with the children seated on a stool, followed by administration of dental education program. The prevalence of dental caries among government and private school students is 31 (77.5%.) and the mean DMFT scores are 2.47 with a standard deviation of 2.184, and their mean DMFS scores are 5.38 with a standard deviation of 6.436. The majority 31(77.5%) school children were with dental caries and 9 (22.5%) with no tooth decay, the majority (100%) of school children had insufficient knowledge in the pre-test, 10% of school children had adequate knowledge on dental caries, and the majority (100%) of school children had an unfavorable attitude toward dental caries in the pre-test, (45%) had a moderately favorable attitude toward dental caries. The difference in knowledge and attitude about dental caries and its management between post-test and pre-test scores among school-aged children was statistically significant. The study's findings may be utilized to organize a school-based dental program for children and their parents to practice routine oral hygiene and get frequent dental checkups, allowing them to lead healthier lives.
KEYWORDS
Dental caries, School children, Dental education program, DMFT/DMFS
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