Objectives : The aim of the study is to propose the fundamental data for further developments of the school dental clinic program through evaluating comprehensive improvements of the indices and the oral health status.
Methods : This studied was carried out from December 2010 to September 2012. Subjects were 239 elementary school 4th, 5th, 6th grade students having no school dental clinic and 195elementary school 4th, 5th, 6th grade students having school dental clinic in Busan. They completed self-reported questionnaires after accepting informed consent. The questionnaire included knowledges, attitudes and practices for oral health recognition and supports of the school dental clinic program.
Results : Permanent tooth caries prevention rate revealed 59.0%, 53.3%, and 62.0%. in 4th,5th, and 6th respectively. Rate of Care Group with fissure sealant permanent teeth showed 80.3%,88.0%, and 88.9% respectively. Index of Care Group with fissure sealant permanent teeth revealed 2.68, 2.90, and 3.97, respectively. DMFT index of Care Group was 1.11, 1.35, and 1.51, respectively.
Active D rate of Care Group resulted in 16.7%, 24.1%, and 16.7%, respectively. Dental health education group showed high awareness level of fluoride and sealant effect for caries prevention.
Tooth brushing of three times per day was more effective when using rolling tooth brushing.
On the other hand, oral health recognition and oral status in the control group was low.
Conclusions : Oral health recognition was closely related to good oral care. Expansion of oral health care business is important to prevent dental caries. Systematic approach for oral health education programs and human resources development is very important to improve oral health care.