Effectiveness of Oral Health Training Session on Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Barriers Towards Oral Health Amongst Teachers and Caregivers of Disabled Children in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Special Care Dentistry aims at management and prevention of Oro-dental diseases in disabled children, who spend most of their time in rehabilitation centres or special schools. Therefore, training their teachers and caretakers on oral health promotion will help to inculcate healthy oral habits in children during their formative years of life. METHODOLOGY: A closed-ended questionnaire evaluated the knowledge, attitude, practices, and barriers toward oral health before and after the oral health training session. The training was done using a validated training manual on oral health promotion entitled as Oral health for families with special health care needs, along with conducting workshops, and delivering dental talks. Data was obtained and statistical analysis was done. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Evaluation of the data obtained was done twice to assess the difference between the scores before and after oral health education. RESULTS: Maximum participants showed significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices towards oral health. CONCLUSION: Continuous reinforcement of knowledge, conducting workshops and oral health check-up programs is required to eradicate the barriers and bring changes in Knowledge attitude and practices towards oral health among these teachers and caregivers. KEYWORDS: National Education Policies for children with special needs, Knowledge, Oral health, teachers and caregivers.