DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR COMPLETE DENTURES TREATMENT

Based on data from the Basic Health Research 2018, indicate a correlation between age and tooth loss, yet denture utilization remains comparatively low. Dental therapists are primarily responsible for enhancing oral health by preventing, treating, and managing dental problems. While authorized to collaborate with dental specialists in providing medical dental procedures. However, in many clinical settings, dental therapists are often relegated to the role of dental assistants. This limitation can be attributed to the lack of integrated dental care models for complete denture cases within specialized prosthodontic services. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of developed dental and oral health care model on patients with complete denture care on changes in the behavior of dental therapists in implementing the model. This study employs a quasi-experimental research design with a pretest-posttest design (non-equivalent control group). The research was conducted the entire population of 12 dental therapists at the prosthodontic clinic of the dental and oral hospital were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received socialization on an oral health care model. Knowledge, attitude, and skills were assessed through questionnaires and observational methods both before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed statistically using paired t-test, and independent t-test. Its model is effective in behavior changes: improving knowledge (p-value 0.025; ? 7.50), attitudes (p-value 0.012; ? 7.33), skills (p-value 0.002; ? 26.67). Development of a dental and oral health care model in patients with complete denture care is effective in changing the behavior of dental therapists.