Assessment Knowledge of Primary School Teachers Regarding to the Prevention of Dental Caries in Kirkuk City

Abstract

Background:- Dental caries is a common disorder, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. Tooth decay is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people

Aim of the study:- In order to assess knowledge of primary school teachers regarding to the prevention of dental caries in Kirkuk city

Methodology:- A descriptive study is carried out from 10^th July 2013 to the  20^th April 2014 in order to assess teachers' Knowledge Regarding the prevention of dental caries in Kirkuk city. Simple probability random sample of (100) teacher is selected from (25) primary schools in Kirkuk city. The sample is comprised of (21) male and (79) female. Developed questionnaire was constructed for the purpose of the study which consisted of two parts: the first part include the demographic data (6 ) items , the second part consist from (15 ) items about knowledge of teachers about prevention of dental caries . A pilot study was conducted from 22 to 27 September 2013 at the beginning of the study in three primary schools, which is (al-waten, al-tahade and asos primary schools); nine teachers were studied and evaluated. Content validity was determined by presenting the questionnaire to a panel of (10) experts. The data were collected through the use of interview. They were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical analysis (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistical data analysis (chi-square)by using the statistical package of social science (SPSS ) version (19 ).

Results :- The findings of the study indicated that (49%) of the teachers  were in age group between (39-48) years , (79%) were females, (75%) were institutions graduated  ,major of the study sample were married and constitute  (83%), all sample were  from urban area and constitute (100%).(61%) were premolar site for caries  .

Conclusions:- the study finding the teachers have good knowledge about prevention dental caries also the result find significant relationship between  teacher's knowledge about dental caries and their some demographic data except the mechanisms of saliva to  inhibit caries formation.

Keywords:- Assessment , knowledge , primary school teachers ,dental caries.