Effectiveness of oral health education in improving oral hygiene status among mentally challenged children in bangalore city

Aim: To evaluate effectiveness of oral health education program in improving oral hygiene status of mentally challenged children.
Methods: A field study was conducted among mentally challenged children attending special school in Bangalore city. 44 children of age between 3 to 15 yrs were enrolled in the study. Data was collected regarding socio demographic factors, knowledge, and attitude of parents towards oral health and children IQ level, oral hygiene practice. Oral health education was given to the teachers; parents using power point presentation, posters, flip charts followed by demonstration and supervised brushing after breakfast.
Clinical assessment of oral hygiene status at baseline and after 6 months was done using Quigley and Hein’s Plaque Index, as Modified by Turesky et al.
Statistical Analysis: Paired t-test and ANOVA
Results: Mean difference 1.1328 in the plaque index with CI of 0.9537-1.3120 (p < 0.0001.)
Conclusion: The oral health education program for parents and teachers was effective in improving the oral hygiene status of the mentally challenged individuals.