Revision on oral health instruction contents in adolescent, a need assessment study

Abstract: Introduction: Along with the advancements that have been made in the production of oral health tools, it is necessary to revise the content of oral health education in line with the needs of today's society. Therefore, this study was conducted as the first phase of the oral health project in adolescents with the aim of determining the new needs of oral health education in them. Material and method: This was taken from a pilot study at the first phase of a randomized controlled trial study in oral health education among 10-12-year-old adolescents in Zanjan city in 1401. On the base of stratified cluster random sampling method, 120 participants were included and divided into two intervention and control groups. Both groups completed a researcher-made questionnaire. They were also subjected to initial assessment of required skills in compliance with oral hygiene to determine the new oral health needs. Results: In general, there is a need to move from knowledge-based methods to skill-based training. In the skill section, an average score of 6 ± o.38 from 20 was obtained. Educational content should give a person the ability to distinguish true scientific material from fake material and the ability to choose appropriate and non-fake oral hygiene tools. According to the average knowledge score of 17±1.14 from 44, more attention should be paid to the part of limiting the consumption of sugars and the effect of tobacco and HPV. Participation in preserving the environment and sustainability in dentistry were skill parts that should be integrated in today modern education. Conclusion: Oral health education, like any other field, needs to be reviewed based on the needs of the society. The completion of this study can clarify new and evidence-based horizons of educational needs.