Authors: Christie L Lumsden, Burton L Edelstein, Cheng-Shiun Leu, Jiaqing Zhang, Marcie S Rubin, Howard Andrews
The MySmileBuddy (MSB) intervention aimed to assess changes in parent knowledge and beliefs regarding early childhood caries (ECC). The pragmatic community-based caries management trial was administered by community health workers (CHWs). Surveys were conducted before and after the intervention involving 669 parents. Results showed significant improvements in knowledge across various aspects of caries, such as understanding it as a bacterial disease and the importance of fluoridated water. Most parents showed increased awareness of ECC risks and preventive behaviors. The intervention positively impacted parental understanding of caries and suggested that engaging community health workers (CHWs) may enhance its effectiveness.
Link: Change in parental knowledge and beliefs about early childhood dental caries following a pragmatic community-based trial
Resource Topic: Oral health
Resource Type: Community Trial, Evaluation
Year: 2024
Region:
Country: United States of America
Publisher May Restrict Access: Yes