Knowledge-based barriers on cooperation of students’ mothers in oral health programs

Background and Aims: Oral health programs in primary schools in Iran we re xtended by varnish fluoride therapy in 2015. Having a secured relation and cooperation between parents and schools is ver y important; while Parents’ knowledge and attitude co uld be strongly affective. The aim of this study wa s to shed light on the vague perceptions or beliefs that would prohibit parents to include their children i n oral health program in Fardis, Karaj, Iran. Methods and Materials: During this descriptive study randomly selected stu dents’ mothers from elementary schools participated in group discussion , a d shared the reasons and beliefs which would discourage them to enter their children into varnis h fluoride therapy program. They also conversed abo ut the sources of their beliefs. A list of the data we re developed and used for data analysis. Results: Results illustrated wide variety of perceptions, ro uging from “No need to do varnish fluoride therapy in schools” to “Fluoride can be cancerous”. Some other statements included “Developed countrie s don’t have such programs” and “Fluoride Therapy can h rm the kids”; however, the most common beliefs amongst mothers were “Fluoride Therapy decreases ki d ’ intelligence”. Furthermore, dentists, social media, and onl ine Search Engines were the main sour ces of mothers’ knowledge. Discussion and Conclusion: Dentists can have an essential rule on oral health ducation, and the oral health of the community can hugely benefit from app ro riate program and continuous education. Never the less this requires great attention from related uthorities.