• Narisa Heemsuree D.D.S., M.Sc. (Oral Health Science)
• Jaranya Hunsrisakhun D.D.S., Ph.D.
• Achara Watanapa D.D.S.

Objectives To study and develop the participation process in order to improve oral health care of
children aged 0-3 years by caregivers in a Muslim community.

Materials and methods The participation process was developed and implemented under the
Participatory Action Research concept. Qualitative data collection methods were employed through
focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and participant observations. Content analysis was used to
analyze the data. Quantitative data was also collected through interviewing and use of questionnaires.
Frequency distribution was illustrated.

Results With the participatory approach, the research team encouraged the community leaders mainly
through the use of reflective learning and providing periodical moral support. Community leaders
reported that they had higher abilities, not only in taking care of their own oral health, but also in
working with the community. Subsequently, community leaders were able to conduct oral healthrelated
activities for caregivers and their community based on community participation with cordial
approach. They implemented these activities in relation to Muslim lifestyle and responded to caregivers
and communityûs needs periodically and continuously. In addition, the caregivers reported that they
were better able to take care of their childrenûs oral health and their own. They expressed that they
brushed their childrenûs teeth every day, especially in the morning increasing from 75 to 90% and
before bed time from 45 to 60% percent. Moreover, the percentages of caregivers who brushed teeth
before praying time increased from 15 to 40%, and immediately after having sugary foods increased
from 35 to 70%.

Conclusions The participation process could increase the abilities of community leaders in terms of
taking care of their own oral health supporting the caregivers to change their oral health caretaking
behavior for children aged 0-3 years. These are accomplished through 2 main key processes; 1) the
development of participation process among community leaders by the research team and 2) the
development of participation process among caregivers by community leaders, which were
implemented mainly through learning by doing according to their needs with reflective learning to
improve their critical thinking skills under positive reinforcement.

(CU Dent J. 2014;37:299-316)