The Effects of Dental Health Education Program on Dental Caries Prevention Behavior of Student Grade 6 of Pho Sai Kindergarten School

Abstract

Social support is crucial in influencing behavior change for disease prevention among individuals. This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of a dental health education program on dental caries prevention behaviors among Grade 6 students at Anuban Phosai School, Phosai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The study applied the social support theory and divided the students into two groups: an experimental group of 33 students who received the dental health education program, focusing on modifying dental caries prevention behaviors, one hour per week for 8 weeks, the control group of 32 students practice normal school oral care instruction. The study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. Data collection involved using a questionnaire to assess knowledge about dental caries and prevention behaviors and evaluate plaque levels using a plaque index. Statistical analysis was conducted using inferential statistics, specifically paired sample t-tests and independent t-tests, to analyze and compare the differences within the experimental group and between the experimental and control groups. A significance level of .05 was set. The study found that after participating in the program, the experimental group had a higher average score in dental caries knowledge (Mean diff. =-2.21, 95% CI = 0.86-3.56, p-value = 0.002), exhibited better behaviors in preventing dental caries (Mean diff. =-5.00, 95% CI = 3.56-6.43, p-value < 0.001), and had lower levels of plaque bacteria compared to before the experiment when compared to the control group (Mean diff 0.60 =, 95% CI =0.34-0.85, p-value<0.001). These findings demonstrate that the program can effectively promote oral health in school-aged and prevent future tooth loss.