NEED OF INTRODUCING ORAL HEALTH CURRICULUM IN SAUDI SCHOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTION-A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Throughout the world 3.5 billion people are effected with oral diseases and Dental caries is a major Preventable Public health problem affecting 2.43 billion people.1The high incidence of dental diseases among Saudi children(80%) can be attributed to low awareness regarding the oral health and hygiene practices2. Even though there are many public awareness campaigns, health education programs & preventive interventions targeted at primary school children to promote good oral health behaviors, feeding practices, and dietary habits which are developed and implemented by Dental /Dental Hygiene Schools and Professional dental bodies; often they are not taken with serious attention. Therefore, the present study was conducted to understand the perception of Saudi population regarding the need of introducing an effective oral health curriculum to improve the oral health behavior and oral health status of the population.