The state of knowledge of Polish teachers about oral health and methods of preventing dental caries in children – a sociomedical survey

Despite its proven preventability, dental caries is still common in young children attending preschools and primary schools ranging from 41.1% of children aged 3 years to 76.8% of children aged 5 years. The teachers should be involved in shaping oral health behaviors as they are recognized as children’s main authority. The state of teachers’ knowledge on oral health and causative factors of dental caries may influence teachers’ attitude to provide oral health education to students. In 2019 primary school teachers were invited to take part in online survey. An anonymous electronic questionnaire for teachers of 6-year-olds contained closed questions assessing their knowledge about the etiology of caries in children, the benefits of dental care and caries prophylaxis. Statistical analysis of data included comparisons of the study groups for quantitative variables (parametric tests), categorical variables (chi-square test), assessment of the relationships between selected factors (Spearman’s correlation analysis); statistical significance level p < 0.05). The response rate was 46.7%. Although 88% of teachers expressed satisfaction with their knowledge of oral health and caries prevention, only 3.1% answered all fluoride-use questions correctly, and 35.8% correctly identified caries etiological factors. Despite 80% supporting the need for oral health education, one-third felt unprepared to deliver it. Knowledge gaps were particularly evident regarding fluoride use, early dental visits, and caregiver-assisted brushing. 14.95% identified cariogenic products and 29.3% knew how to care for children’s oral health. The knowledge about the etiology of dental caries was positively correlated with participation in training on oral health and dental caries prevention in children, and the state of general knowledge about caring for children’s oral health was positively correlated with teachers’ high self-assessment of their knowledge. The low teachers’ level of knowledge in the field of oral health and caries prevention did not correspond to their self-assessment. Since teachers indicated the lack of preparation for conducting educational activities in the field of oral health and dental caries prevention as a factor limiting the introduction of education on this topic in classes, it is necessary to include this issue in their educational process. As a help for teachers, professionals in the field of oral health and education may create educational programs and ready-made training materials for use during lessons.