KAP study to assess the internet influence of parents towards child’s first dental visit and oral hygiene care

Abstract

: The study was done to analyse parent’s understanding about their child's dental health in the first dentist visit, with a particular focus on the internet's impact on parents of preschool children.: This survey was conducted among 800 parents of pre-school children enrolled in various schools from Rishikesh. A pre-validated questionnaire was distributed among participants. Participants were given questionnaires written in English and the local Hindi language before and after the educational intervention to assess oral health-related awareness of the parents regarding their child's oral health.: From the total sample, 35% had poor knowledge score before the educational intervention and 100% had good knowledge score after the educational intervention. The current study concluded that higher levels of oral health education and awareness would lead to better oral health status in children. When the parental KAP score was compared before and after educational intervention, there was a statistically significant difference seen. Health care providers/dentists should organise activities such as parental guidance, lectures, and mass education in home wellness centres to develop knowledge to promote good oral health.