Utility of Knowledge and Practice Survey of Dental Caries among 10 to 13 Year Old Children Visiting Saveetha Dental College

Aim The aim of this survey is to assess the knowledge, attitude and measures taken to maintain the oral health by 10 to 13 year old children visiting saveetha dental college. Materials and method150 children who were visiting saveetha dental college were selected using random sampling method. Prevalence of dental caries was determined using decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index. A self-administered questionnaire on self-care practices in oral health, knowledge, and attitude was filled by children. The association of different variables with knowledge was analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. Results The dental caries prevalence was 59.4 %, and 54.5 % had low knowledge. They lacked knowledge regarding use of fluoridated toothpaste and did not use them. There was no association of other oral health care practices and attitudes with knowledge. Conclusion Oral health care practices and attitudes are not fully explained by knowledge, and other models of health education need to be considered.