Effectiveness of a community oral health awareness program.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a community oral health awareness program given to mothers through trained community level workers (Junior Public Health Nurses (JPHNs) and Anganwadi workers (AWWs). METHODS Oral health education materials were prepared based on the findings of a knowledge survey among community workers and mothers of children (0-6 years) in a selected block panchayat in Kerala. Using this material, classes were held for health workers and through them for the mothers. Post evaluation for both the groups was done using the same questionnaire. RESULTS The post intervention survey among both the community workers and the mothers showed statistically significant improvement in knowledge regarding oral hygiene habits, importance of milk teeth, causes of dental diseases, prevention of dental diseases, and treatment of certain dental conditions. CONCLUSION A community health awareness program has a positive effect on knowledge of community workers and thereby in the mothers. The feasibility of integrating oral health education in the existing primary healthcare activities needs to be explored.