Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to Oral Health among Private and Government School Teachers in Gurgaon Block, Haryana: A Pilot Survey

School teachers play an important role in the all-round development of children. A teacher with adequate oral health knowledge, positive attitude toward dental health can always play an important role in oral health of school children and be a role model for children. To assess and compare the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices in private and Government school teachers of Gurgaon block of Gurgaon District. The study was a cross sectional 25 items questionnaire study conducted among school teachers of Private and Government schools of two wards of Gurgaon block. All the schools of two wards were selected for this pilot project. A structured questionnaire was used and 185 teachers were assessed on their knowledge on oral health, attitudes and practices regarding their oral health. Majority of teachers had given importance to their oral health equally as their general health. By considering the oral hygiene aid used and frequency of brushing it was evident that the oral hygiene practices were better among Private school teachers compared to their counterpart in government school teachers. The reasons to visit dentist were regular checkup followed by tooth pain, bleeding gums which was found relatively higher among Private school teachers (29.7%) than Government teachers (23.8%). It was seen that knowledge, attitude and practices of teachers about oral health was adequate, but further improvement can be encouraged. Health care Program on a regular basis and further studies must be done to assess their awareness levels and make the necessary changes in further education modules.