Parental Oral Health Literacy of children with severe early childhood caries in Hong Kong

Authors

  • S Hiu Fong Lai Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
  • M Kok Wun Wong Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
  • H Ming Wong Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
  • C Kar Yung Yiu Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2017.18.04.11

Keywords:

Oral health literacy, Dental caries

Abstract

AIM: To assess the parental oral health literacy of children with severe early childhood caries. METHODS: A total of 315 children diagnosed with severe early childhood caries, and their parents were recruited to participate in the study. A clinical examination was conducted to assess the children's oral health status. Their parents were asked to complete a Hong Kong Oral Health Literacy Assessment Task for Paediatric Dentistry (HKOHLAT-P) questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The parental oral health literacy of children with severe early childhood caries was associated with their socio-economic background. Oral health education should be targeted towards the lower socio-economic groups.