Communication as a Key for Imparting Oral Health Knowledge in Special Needs Patients Attending Special Schools in Sangareddy District in Telangana

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the oral health status of special health care needs children, adequacy of awareness on oral hygiene among their parents, and recognition of the critical role of teachers as oral health moderators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 78, 4–15 years aged children of Government Special Schools, Sangareddy. Both parents and teachers took part in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was given to their parents, OHI-S score and DMFT/deft score of the children were noted followed by a dental health awareness program through customized charts and models. RESULTS: Out of 78 children, 89% of their parents showed a lack of awareness in providing dental care for their children. Only 6% visited a dental surgeon previously. 69% had treatment needs. CONCLUSION: Communication plays an important role in bringing a change in the knowledge and rendering dental care for specially-abled children and actively promoting oral health care in the school curriculum. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Vallala P, Prakhya UR, Kocherlakota DS, et al. Communication as a Key for Imparting Oral Health Knowledge in Special Needs Patients Attending Special Schools in Sangareddy District in Telangana. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S148–S150.