EFFECTS OF ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND MASS TOOTHBRUSHING ON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Dental caries and poor oral hygiene remain prevalent among school-age children in Indonesia, largely attributable to gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding correct toothbrushing. This community service programme aimed to improve oral health knowledge and psychomotor toothbrushing skills among students at State Elementary School 12 Puhun Pintu Kabun, Bukittinggi. A three-phase, evidence-based health-education model was employed: (1) a structured pre-test to establish baseline knowledge (2) interactive oral-health counselling covering caries aetiology, the role of cariogenic foods, and critical brushing times, supplemented by a dental phantom and animated educational video and (3) supervised mass toothbrushing practice (Roll/Fones method, minimum two-minute duration) with individual on-the-spot correction by the team. A post-test and direct psychomotor observation evaluated outcomes. A total of 234 students participated. Post-intervention results indicated a meaningful increase in students oral health knowledge. Observational assessment of brushing technique revealed that the majority of students successfully shifted from harmful horizontal scrubbing to the recommended Roll/Fones method. Logistical challenges related to water supply and participant attention were effectively managed through portable water containers and interactive multimedia. The programme concluded that an integrated promotif-preventif intervention combining counselling, demonstration, and supervised mass toothbrushing is highly effective in building oral health awareness and positive daily habits among primary school students, and is recommended as a recurring institutional programme.