Comparison of model demonstration and video-based education methods on oral hygiene practices and caries incidence in 3–5-year-old children: a randomized controlled trial
Dental caries, oral hygiene, early childhood caries
This study was carried out on 282 children aged 3-5, randomized into 3 groups, attending six private kindergartens affiliated to the Kartal, Pendik, Tuzla District Directorate of National Education in Istanbul. Firstly, a survey was administered to parents to learn their knowledge about their children's oral and dental health. Intraoral examinations were performed on all children, and their dental and gingival health status was examined using ICDAS II, plaque and gingival indices. After six months; 1st group was trained with the model method, 2nd group was trained with the video method, and 3rd group was determined as control group and was not trained. Six months later, parent surveys and intraoral examinations were conducted again and changes and gains in children's oral and dental health knowledge were evaluated. Participants were randomized using a sealed envelope method. Allocation sequences were prepared in advance and placed in opaque, sealed envelopes to ensure allocation concealment.
1. Children aged 3 to 5 years who attend kindergarten and whose parents have provided informed consent 2. Children with at least one literate parent 3. Children with whom cooperation can be established 4. Children without any hearing or visual impairments 5. Children who are systemically healthy, meaning they do not have any long-term medical conditions affecting their general health 6. Children who did not undergo any dental procedures during the study period 7. Children who remained enrolled in the same school for the entire duration of the research period
1. Children whose parents did not provide informed consent 2. Children with no literate parent 3. Children with whom cooperation could not be established 4. Children with visual or hearing impairments 5. Children who are not systemically healthy 6. Children who underwent any dental procedures during the study period 7. Children who left the school during the research period