F: Parents’ Attitude In Maintaining Dental And Oral Hygiene And Debris Index Of Hearing-Impaired Children (At SDLB-B Karya Mulia Surabaya)

Dental and oral hygiene in hearing-impaired children requires special attention because limitations in communication and independence may hinder optimal oral hygiene practices. Parents’ attitudes are one factor that may support children’s dental and oral hygiene. This study aimed to determine the relationship between parents’ attitudes in maintaining dental and oral hygiene and the debris index of hearing-impaired children at SDLB-B Karya Mulia Surabaya. This observational analytical study used a cross-sectional approach. The population and sample comprised 33 parents of hearing-impaired students selected using total sampling. Parents’ attitudes were assessed using a Likert-scale questionnaire, while the debris index was assessed through direct oral examination. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and the Chi-Square test with a significance level of 0.05. Most parents had a moderate attitude, while most children had a moderate debris index. The Chi-Square analysis showed a significant relationship between parents’ attitudes and the debris index of hearing-impaired children (p=0.002). In conclusion, parents’ attitudes in maintaining children’s dental and oral hygiene are related to the oral cleanliness condition of hearing-impaired children. Strengthening parental education and assistance in daily toothbrushing is neededKeywords: parental attitudes; dental and oral hygiene; debris index; hearing-impaired children