1Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha, India
Email: asheerbadsubham1048@gmail.com
2Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha, India
Email: nagmanazh@gmail.com
3Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Email: drshubhracsaha@gmail.com
4Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Email: Shalini.sahoo14@gmail.com
5Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Email: mlipsa2001@gmail.com
6Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha, India
Email: dineshsenapati.07@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Dr. Asheerbad Swain
Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Public Health Dentistry
Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University
Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha, India
Email: asheerbadsubham1048@gmail.com
Background: Oral health education plays a crucial role in preventing dental diseases among children. Schools and dental clinics serve as important platforms for delivering oral health education programs; however, evidence comparing their relative effectiveness remains limited.
Aim: To comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of school-based versus clinic-based oral health education programs in improving oral health knowledge, practices, and clinical parameters among children.
Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative interventional study was conducted among 100 children aged 10–12 years. Participants were equally divided into two groups: Group I (school-based oral health education) and Group II (clinic-based oral health education). Baseline assessment included Plaque Index, Gingival Index, DMFT index, and a structured knowledge and practice questionnaire. Structured educational interventions were delivered in respective settings, with reinforcement after four weeks. Follow-up evaluation was conducted at three months. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, chi-square test, and multiple linear regression. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in plaque and gingival scores and knowledge levels after intervention (p < 0.001). The clinic-based group showed significantly greater reduction in plaque (p = 0.004) and gingival scores (p = 0.002), along with higher knowledge gain (p < 0.001) compared to the school-based group. Improvements in oral hygiene practices were observed in both groups. DMFT scores did not show significant change over the three-month period.
Conclusion: Both school-based and clinic-based oral health education programs were effective in improving oral health outcomes among children. However, clinic-based education demonstrated superior short-term clinical and knowledge improvements.
Keywords: Clinic-based oral health education, Dental plaque, Gingival health, Oral health education, School-based oral health education.
How to cite this article: Swain A, Haque NN, Saha SC, Sahoo S, Mohapatra L, Senapati D. A comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of school based v/s clinic based oral health education programs. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(7s): 734-741; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.7s.78
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None