Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the health awareness campaigns and an intervention on overall oral hygiene of students. Materials and methods: A cohort study (prospective) has been conducted over a period of 1 year from September 2018- September 2019, a total of 340 students age between 6 to 12 years participated in the study. A self-administrated Questionnaire regarding oral hygiene habits and practices was designed and filled by the students. Same questionnaire was filled from the same students again after one year and the impact of oral health education was accessed. Results: Following the intervention, significant differences were found in the dental health. Time taken for brushing was improved. Majority of the participants who changed their toothbrush after more than a year, now changed their toothbrushes after every 6 months. Frequency of visiting the dentist for routine checkups also increased. Conclusion: Short term oral health education program and health awareness campaigns have potential merits in bettering the oral hygiene conditions and promoting health among the children. Coordinating efforts should be enhanced between school personnel, parents and health professionals to ensure long term benefits
Perception of Oral and Dental Health Awareness and Assessment of Dental Habits in Preclinical Dentistry Students: A Questionnaire Study
