Oral health – Knowledge, attitude, and practices of primary school teachers in Shirur, Udupi District India

Abstract

Background: Oral health is an integral part of the general health of an individual. Children spend a considerable period in schools and teachers are in an enviable position to influence and guide children. School-based oral health education (OHE) is valuable as children are guided when young during the formation of their oral hygiene habits. Aim: This study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary school teachers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary school teachers in Shirur village of Udupi district. A validated questionnaire was used, and a total of 103 teachers were assessed for their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral hygiene. Statistical Analysis: Data description and statistical analysis were obtained using IBM SPSS Version 21-computer software (IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS 21.0, Inc., Chicago, USA) in association with Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were obtained, and the mean values and frequency distributions were calculated. Results: All teachers (100%) were unanimous in their agreement that oral health was an integral part of general health and 95.3% (n = 102) agreed on the need for periodic dental check up. A majority (55.8%) of the teachers brushed twice daily and 32.7% of them visited their dentist once every 6 months. All teachers were interested in delivering OHE in schools. Conclusions: School teachers can be effectively used for OHE in schools. There is a need for a comprehensive approach to include OHE in schools through activities such as dental examinations and demonstration of brushing techniques.