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KMID : 1157520110070030149
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International Journal of Clinical Preventive Dentistry
2011 Volume.7 No. 3 p.149 ~ p.153
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Is Joint Tooth Brushing an Effective Program for Improving Dental Health among Elementary Students? - A Study from Jakarta, Indonesia
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R. R. Darwita
Diah Ayu Maharani
A. Rahardjo
D. P. Puspa
R. Amalia
Sandy D. P.
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Abstract
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Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a joint tooth brushing program at an elementary school in Jakarta.
Methods: An intervention program to improve the oral health of elementary students was conducted over a 6-month period. The program consisted of dental health education and daily indoor two-minute sessions of joint tooth brushing. We sampled a total of 57 students from the first and second grades. Each one was interviewed and was subject to oral examinations before and after the program was implemented. Moreover, questionnaires were also administered to the teachers. Then they were trained as an instructor for the program. These programs were conducted daily before the beginning of class.
Results: Significant changes in saliva pH and plaque pH scores was found for students. Moreover, teachers' awareness of dental healthcare also increased. Finally, teachers were actively engaged when acting as tooth brushing program instructors.
Conclusion: Teachers conducting daily, indoor, two-minute, joint tooth brushing programs could motivate students to maintain their oral health. This in turn leads to a decreased prevalence of dental caries among elementary school students.
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KEYWORD
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oral health, tooth brushing program, elementary school students
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