Differences in Early Childhood Caries Status on Parental Stress Levels and Socioeconomic Status in Makassar City, Indonesia, During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: To analyze the differences in early childhood caries status on parental stress levels and socioeconomic status in Makassar City, Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: This type of analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in North Rantepao, Toraja City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The research subjects of this study were parents who met the criteria, were willing to participate in the study, and had children aged 6-17 years. The questionnaire instrument with the criteria for assessing children's dental and oral health was assessed based on parents' perceptions. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 (never) to 5 (always). Then the total score was divided into three categories, namely low (score 3-6), moderate (score 7-10), and high (score 11-15). Comparative test analysis using Chi-Square test. Results: Parents with high-stress levels had more children with poor oral health. There is a significant difference according to the level of stress and socioeconomic status of the parents. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between caries status in early childhood based on socioeconomic status and parental stress level

Impact of Integrated Education on Child Oral Health

Background. Allied health professionals can apply their unique scope of practice to educate and promote oral health that best fits families’ daily habits, routines, and cultural practices (Anderson et al., 2020; Gold & Tomar, 2018; Iwao et al., 2019). Purpose. The primary purpose of this capstone project was to increase family utilization of oral healthcare services and daily oral hygiene practices through cultivating positive oral health experiences for all children. Approach. A child intake questionnaire and social story were created to prepare children for their dental exam, provide child-specific oral health education, and understand childrens’ oral health habits and dental experiences for children receiving dental services. Child-reported responses were evaluated using descriptive and categorical analysis to understand child dental experiences before and after their dental exam. Outcomes. 378 children completed the child intake questionnaire. 68% of children served had poor oral hygiene, and 32% had fair to good oral hygiene. Children with fair to good oral hygiene reported slightly more positive oral health experiences when compared to children with poor oral hygiene. Implications. Ready, Set, Smile’s interdisciplinary team should further evaluate the impact of various educational methods and mindfulness activities on child dental experiences. For example, do children who receive oral health education prior to their dental exam report more positive oral health experiences compared to children who did not receive education