Effects of mothers involved in dental health program for their children

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of mothers' involvement in a dental health program for their elementary school children.

Methods: This study was a non-equivalent control group pre-post test design in which knowledge and behaviors related to dental health, perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy and plaque control scores were compared between the experimental group (n=26) for whom the dental health program included the direct involvement of the mothers, and the control group (n=24) for whom knowledge related to dental health was provided through brochures.

Results: Scores for the experimental group in which the mothers were involved in the dental health program were significantly higher for knowledge, behaviors in dental health, self-efficacy and plaque control compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that mothers involvement in the dental health program is effective in reinforcing dental health enhancing behavior in elementary school children.

Keywords: Child; Dental caries; Dental health education; Mothers; Oral health.