Evaluation of Awareness, Attitude and Preparedness of School Children and Caregivers toward Dental Treatment in a Military Dental Establishment: A Cross‑Sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the awareness, attitude and preparedness of school children and their caregivers toward dental treatment in a military dental service setting. Materials and Methods: A school‑based screening camp was conducted as part of a social outreach program linked to a military dental establishment. A total of 1000 students aged 5–18 years (classes I–XII) were clinically examined for oral findings, including oral hygiene status, dental caries, gingival and periodontal diseases, mucosal abnormalities, malocclusion, congenital and developmental anomalies and ongoing dental treatment. Students presenting with abnormal intraoral findings (n = 954) were identified as requiring dental care and were administered a structured dichotomous (Yes/No) questionnaire assessing previous dental attendance, advice and receipt of dental treatment, experiences of dental pain, apprehension toward dental treatment and current willingness to undergo treatment. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 22. Results: Of the 1000 students examined, 954 (95.4%) had at least one abnormal intraoral finding. Overall, 58.17% reported a previous dental inspection in the preceding three years, while 41.82% had not undergone any screening during that period. Dental treatment had been advised to 46.22% of respondents, and 40.56% had received some form of dental consultation or intervention. Episodes of dental pain in the last three years were reported by 48% of students, whereas 51.99% denied any pain. Apprehension regarding dental treatment was expressed by 69.8%of respondents or their parents, while 30.18% reported no such concern. Despite this, 76.2% stated that they were prepared to receive necessary dental treatment, whereas 23.79% were reluctant. Conclusion: A high proportion of school children in this military‑linked educational setting required dental care, yet relatively few had undergone prior screening or treatment. Although more than half reported apprehension toward dental treatment, a similar proportion expressed readiness to receive care. Structured school‑based screening and targeted oral health education may help improve dental service utilization in comparable institutional environments.