164 - Knowledge and Parental Perception on Pit-and-Fissure Sealants in Children

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess and interpret parental knowledge and attitudes regarding pit-and-fissure sealants. The findings of this study may serve as a baseline for future studies on the knowledge of pit-and-fissure sealants in the BronxCare patient caretaker population. The findings may also identify a need for, or inform oral health education interventions in the same population.

Methods: Participants of the study were issued a paper questionnaire. The first section of the questionnaire consisted of demographic questions on the participants, and the second section of the questionnaire included questions pertaining to the parent’s knowledge and attitudes towards pit-and-fissure sealants. The questionnaire was assessed based on a three-point Likert scale (agree, unsure, disagree).

Results: The collected data suggests a lack of parental knowledge on pit-and-fissure sealants. Findings suggested parents were aware that pit-and-fissure sealants are successful in preventing caries, and respondents agreed with the recommendation of their placement on both primary and permanent teeth. Nonetheless, knowledge on anesthesia use, mechanism of application, and type of materials used was low. Overall, parental attitudes towards pit-and-fissure sealants were favorable, however many respondents demonstrated uncertainty.

Conclusion: Pit-and-fissure sealant knowledge is low amongst parents of children treated at BronxCare Health System. Parental perception was mixed, with either favorable or uncertain outlooks on pit-and-fissure sealants. A lack of knowledge may contribute to the uncertain attitude parents have towards pit-and-fissure sealants.

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