A study to assess the role of teachers in promotion of oral health in developing countries

With recent shift in paradigm, dentistry has moved from restorations, replacements or extractions, towards early diagnosis, risk assessment and prevention of dental diseases in children. Teachers can play a crucial role during the mentor years of the child by imparting oral health knowledge and inculcating positive health attitudes. This study was conducted to relate the oral health status of teachers with children in different age groups. 119 Teachers (mean age 32.6 yrs) and 1500 Children divided into six age groups from 4–10 years of 250 each attending the selected schools were examined and their dmft/DMFT scores and oral hygiene score of teachers was recorded. A significant positive correlation was seen between the DMFT of teachers and children of 7–9 years age group clearly pointing out to the fact that teachers can play a pivotal role in health of permanent dentition. They are ideally positioned to refer children to a dental home in a timely manner.