Factors associated with sustain of sealant students in first year of primary school among dental assistants in Nakhonratchasima province

Abstract

        Caries in children are common oral health problem and they are as result of tooth lost and effect to chewing, slurred speech, effect to learning and them well-being. This study was cross-sectional descriptive study that aimed to explore the factors associated with sustained of sealant among students in first year of primary school in Nakhonratchasima province. The samples were 137 dental assistants who took responsibility for applying sealants in first year of primary school students. Statistics used were frequency, percentages, averages, and standard deviations.  The correlation analysis used Pearson correlation coefficients.

      The results showed that most of samples had knowledge, attitude and sealant practiced at the moderate levels. The factors included  (1) demographic such as gender, age, marital status, educational level, duration of the dental practice, the place of performance, Academy graduation, the salary and the experience in sealant (2) knowledge of the sealant (3) Attitude providing sealant. Most factors above were no correlation to the sustained sealant. The experience in applying sealant was significantly associated with the duration of dental practice and the age of dental official respectively in high level (r = 0.989,  p – value < 0.001; r = 0.972, p – value < 0.001). 

       Conclusion, the most of sample had moderate level of knowledge, attitude and practice of sealant applying. Therefore, the review and  reinforce the dental assistants the knowledge and sealant skills regularly may be needed to enhance correctly and confidently.;