Parents' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the pit and fissure sealant therapy

CONTEXT: Parents' interpretation on children's oral health care practices plays a vital role in improving children's oral health. AIM: This study sought to evaluate parents' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding dental sealants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of school-going children in Chennai, India. Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward sealant therapy were assessed through a questionnaire survey among 250 parents (45% fathers and 55% mothers). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was noted in the knowledge and attitude scores at various age groups; 71% of the participants agreed that pit and fissure sealants are effective in preventing dental caries. Only 34% of the study participants' children had received dental sealants. CONCLUSION: The parental knowledge and awareness of preventive practices appear to support dental sealants as a preventive strategy for dental caries. But most parents did not practice the preventive measures despite knowing its effectiveness and benefits. Greater efforts should be made to encourage the parents to provide their children with primary care.