Evaluation of Improvement in Knowledge and Attitude of Primary School Teacher’s Towards Various Aspects of Paediatric Dentistry after Education Intervention

Abstract

Background: Dental Health Education in teachers has prominently invested the knowledge aboutvarious aspects of paediatric dentistry. Oral health theories and implementations can be augmentedand reinforced by teachers who can work allied with dental professionals thereby bringing noteworthyimprovement in oral health status of children. Therefore it is analytical to ascertain knowledge andpositive attitude towards various aspects of paediatric dentistry of primary school teachers who area primary care giver and mentor to children. Material and Methods: The interventional study wasoutlined by two stage cluster sample. A total of four thirty seven primary school teachers took partin the research where the data was first collected by a close ended questionnaire. Re- evaluation wasconducted after the education intervention and the results were statistically examined. Results: Pretests revealed that only 52% primary school teachers had sufficient knowledge and positive attitudetowards various aspects of paediatric dentistry. After the education intervention, post tests revealed75.5% primary school teacher’s good knowledge and positive attitude towards various aspects ofpaediatric dentistry which was appreciated. It was found statistically significance after post interventionwith p<0.05. Conclusion: The study observes that the there is a notable innocence and knowledge gapconcerning the knowledge about oral health and various aspects of paediatric dentistry that a primaryschool teacher holds and this has accentuated more the requirement of education intervention amongprimary school teachers to bring out better oral health status in children.