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http://dx.doi.org/10.13065/jksdh.20220055

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral healthcare among children and teachers in kindergarten and daycare centers  

Myoung-Hee Kim (Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Eulji University)
Eun-Joo Hong (Department of Early Childhood Education, Eulji University)
Yu-Jin Kwon (Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Eulji University)
Young-Sun Hwang (Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Eulji University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene / v.22, no.6, 2022 , pp. 485-494 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in changes in the instructional methods used in kindergartens and daycare centers to prevent viral infections. This study aimed to investigate the changes in oral health care for children before and during COVID-19 and the perceptions of kindergarten and daycare center teachers about oral health care. Methods: The study subjects were 189 teachers of kindergartens and daycare centers in charge of children aged 3 to 5. The data for the analysis were collected through an online survey. Frequency analysis and the chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Compared to before COVID-19, the frequency of tooth brushing after lunch, the number of oral health education and regular oral examinations, and the rate of childcare teachers' experiences with oral health education had decreased during COVID-19. In addition, educators in kindergarten and daycare centers responded that an oral health officer at a public health center was the most desirable oral health educator. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the oral health care of children in kindergartens and daycare centers has declined. Efforts are needed to restore it by educating people about oral hygiene care and oral health education, both at home and in kindergartens and daycare centers.
Keywords
COVID-19; Kindergarten and daycare center; Oral healthcare; Teacher;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 2  (Citation Analysis)
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