Effect of Conventional and Game-based Teaching on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

AIM To compare the effectiveness of conventional and game-based teaching on the level of knowledge and practice regarding oral hygiene among 7 to 10-year-old school children. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 60 children aged 8 to 10 years were randomly divided into two groups: groups A and B. The intervention was started after the pretest evaluation of their knowledge regarding oral health and estimation of Debris Index-simplified (DI-S). Children in group A were given oral health education through flash cards once daily for 7 days. Children in group B were educated through the play-way method, i.e. connect the dots game combined with flash cards. The evaluations, regarding oral hygiene and DI-S were recorded on the 8th day after intervention. A follow-up score was also recorded after 1 and 3 months. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS There was significant increase in oral hygiene scores and decrease in debris scores compared to baseline in both groups at 1 week and 1 month. At 3 months interval, both groups showed a decrease in oral hygiene scores from baseline with group B showing highly significant reduction. The mean increase in knowledge score was also significantly better in group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The connect the dots game that includes oral health guidelines including good dental hygiene and dietary habits can thus be an effective intervention aid for teaching the basic oral health concepts among school going children. How to cite this article: Kumar Y, Asokan S, John B, Gopalan T. Effect of Conventional and Game-based Teaching on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(2):123-126.