RT - Journal TY - JOUR A1 - Simratvir, Mauli T1 - A study to assess the role of teachers in the promotion of oral health in developing countries YR - 2011/1/1 JF - Journal of Education and Ethics in Dentistry JO - J Educ Ethics Dent SP - 33 OP - 36 VO - 1 IS - 1 UL - https://www.jeed.in/article.asp?issn=0974-7761;year=2011;volume=1;issue=1;spage=33;epage=36;aulast=Simratvir;t=5 DO - 10.4103/0974-7761.93406 N2 - Introduction: With the recent shift in paradigm, dentistry has moved from restorations, replacements or extractions, toward 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. Aim: This study aims to relate the oral health status of teachers with children in different age groups and to demarcate a time when children would be most receptive to instructions. Materials and Methods: One hundred and nineteen teachers (mean age 32.6 ± 3.4 years) and 1500 children divided into six age groups, from 4-10 years, of 250 each, attending selected schools, were examined and their decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) scores was recorded using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, by trained examiners. Results: The results were statistically analyzed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. A significant positive correlation was seen between the DMFT of teachers and children in the seven-to-nine-year age group. Conclusion: This points out the fact that awareness among teachers can play a pivotal role in health promotion among pupils. They are ideally positioned to inculcate a positive health attitude and refer children to a dental home in a timely manner. ER -