Knowledge-based barriers on cooperation of student's mothers in oral health programs

Oral health programs in primary schools in Iran were extended by varnish fluoride therapy in 2015. Having a secured relation and cooperation between parents and schools is very important; while Parents’ knowledge and attitude could be strongly affective. The aim of this study was to shed light on the vague perceptions or beliefs that would prohibit parents to include their children in oral health program in Fardis, Karaj, Iran.
Methods and Materials: During this descriptive study randomly selected students’ mothers from elementary schools participated in group discussions, and shared the reasons and beliefs which would discourage them to enter their children into varnish fluoride therapy program. They also conversed about the sources of their beliefs. A list of the data were developed and used for data analysis.
Results illustrated wide variety of perceptions, rouging from “No need to do varnish fluoride therapy in schools” to “Fluoride can be cancerous”. Some other statements included “Developed countries don’t have such programs” and “Fluoride Therapy can harm the kids”; however, the most common beliefs amongst mothers were “Fluoride Therapy decreases kids’ intelligence”. Furthermore, dentists, social media, and online Search Engines were the main sources of mothers’ knowledge.
Discussion and Dentists can have an essential rule on oral health education, and the oral health of the community can hugely benefit from appropriate program and continuous education. Never the less this requires great attention from related authorities.