Impact of Parents' Sense of Coherence on Children's Oral Health-Related Behaviors and Dental Caries Experience among Newcomers

PURPOSE To examine the relationship between parents' sense of coherence (SOC) and children's oral health outcomes among newcomers (immigrants to Canada). METHODS Immigrant parents with children aged 1-12 years who lived in Canada for 10 or less were recruited. Outcome variables included caries experience (DMFT/dmft) health-related behaviors (frequency toothbrushing, sugar intake, dental visits). Parents SOC was measured. RESULTS Among 274 parents: mean (SD) age 34.92 (6.35) years; 57% post-secondary education; 38% monthly income below $2000; 41% living than five years. Children: 4.5 (2.9) 55% born Canada; 42% coverage; 52% untreated caries. The 59.1 (12.03). Sense scores not significantly associated behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Parent's relatively low outcomes.