• Onauma Angwaravong D.D.S., M.Sc., Dip., Thai Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• Siriporn Wangsri D.D.S.
• Sopita Ruangcharoen D.D.S.
• Sawitree Kanaiklang D.D.S.
• Obsara Nuaytong D.D.S.

Objective To compare the effectiveness of toothbrushing after dental health education using dental
student instruction and audiovisual media in primary school children.

Materials and methods One hundred sixty children (10-12 years of age) in Demonstration school of
Khon Kaen university, Khon Kaen were randomly allocated to 3 groups matched with regard to sex
school grade, and grade point average (GPA). The following methods of instruction were applied;
group I-control, group II-dental student group and group III-audiovisual media group. The effectiveness
of toothbrushing was evaluated by childrenûs knowledge score and plaque index score at baseline and
after received dental health education. The mean difference of knowledge score and plaque index
score were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistic among 3 groups at a 95%
confidence level.

Results The result after given dental health education showed statistically significant difference on the
different knowledge score and plaque index score among 3 groups (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 respectively).
The statistically significant difference was found between the results from control group and oral
hygiene-instructed group but no statistically significant difference was found between the results from
dental student group and audiovisual media group.

Conclusion A comparison of effectiveness of toothbrushing after dental health education using dental
student and audiovisual media in primary school children found there were no statistically significant
difference of knowledge score and plaque index score so that this audiovisual media probably use
instead of dental practitioner.

(CU Dent J. 2011;34:181-92)