Awareness of Oral Health among University of Cape Coast Primary School Pupils

Abstract

In 2017, World Oral Health was commemorated in Ghana with a campaign organized by Unilever Ghana and its global counterparts in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Dental Association and the Ministry of Health. The campaign sought to help pupils build better brushing habits forhealthy teeth throughout adulthood. Statistics provided at the event indicated that 40 percent of children of 12 years suffer from decayed, missing and stained teeth as well as bad breath. The organizers also explained to the pupils that these situations could affect their overall general health as well as academic work. Against this backdrop, this work sought to discuss the oral health situation among the pupils of the University of Cape Coast Primary School by assessing the level of knowledge the pupils have concerning oral health, factors that compel the guardians to utilize oral health services for their wards and to suggest ways to promote the situation. A modified questionnaire based on the Dental Health Survey Mainstage Questionnaire was used for the study. From the findings of the study the level of awareness and/or knowledge concerning oral health was not encouraging. Again, the findings did not support the assertion that unavailability of dental facilities is a prime reason for low patronage of dental services in Ghana. Pain also continues to be the compelling community factor. Oral healthcare providers should be resourced and well-motivated to push oral health campaigns.