Parents^ Perspectives on Preventive Oral Healthcare in Indonesia
Iwan Dewanto1 , Armelia Sari Widyarman2* , Melissa Adiatman3, Valendriyani Ningrum4, Kartika Andari Wulan5, R. Darmawan Setijanto6.

1 Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Email: iwan.dewanto[at]umy.ac.id
2 Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia. Email: armeliasari[at]trisakti.ac.id
3 Department of Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia. Email: melissa31[at]ui.ac.id
4 Department of Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Baiturrahmah, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia. Email: valend888[at]gmail.com
5 Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Email: kandariwulan[at]ub.ac.id
6 Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Email: r-darmawan-s[at]fkg.unair.ac.id .

Abstract

Background: Oral diseases present a significant public health challenge globally, with limited access to preventive care particularly acute in developing countries like Indonesia. Objective: This study examines Indonesian patients^ perspectives on preventive oral healthcare to inform better clinical and public health strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all Indonesian visiting any health care via an online questionnaire from February 6th-28th, 2023. The survey assessed sociodemographic data, oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding preventive dentistry based on parent^s perspective. In total of 14,114 participants, 12,781 have completed the survey. The chi-square test was used to investigate associations between group, with significancy set at p<0.05. Results: The result of this study indicated that a significant portion of the population only seeks dental care for symptomatic relief rather than prevention, with 62.62% of parents never taking their children to the dentist, and visits primarily motivated by pain (34.23%). The data revealed a stark gap in preventive practices and awareness, despite 68.67% of parents reporting the use of fluoride toothpaste. Socioeconomic factors, such as education and income levels, significantly influenced dental care behaviours, with higher educational attainment correlating with better oral health practices. Conclusion: The study underscored the necessity of enhancing public knowledge and attitudes towards preventive oral healthcare, advocating for targeted educational interventions and improved access to services. These findings can guide policymakers and health practitioners in designing effective, patient-focused oral health programs to foster a culture of prevention and regular dental check-ups in Indonesia.

Keywords: Preventive oral healthcare, Oral Health, Dental care, Parent^s perspective, Indonesia.

Topic: Dental Public Health