Promosi Dan Prevensi Penyakit Gigi dan Mulut Masyarakat di Kecamatan Pattallassang

Abstract

Oral health is an important aspect of general health that is often neglected by the community. In Pattallassang District, low knowledge and awareness of oral health has led to a high prevalence of oral diseases. This program aims to increase public knowledge and awareness through counseling on proper tooth brushing techniques, healthy eating patterns, the dangers of smoking to oral health, and the importance of regular visits to the dentist. This counseling was conducted using an interactive and educational approach, involving 35 participants divided into four age groups: children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Before the counseling, the average community knowledge score was around 47.5%, reflecting the low level of initial knowledge. After the counseling, the average knowledge score increased significantly to 82.5%, with a consistent increase in knowledge of 35% across all age groups. These results indicate that a comprehensive counseling approach tailored to the characteristics of each age group is effective in increasing public knowledge and awareness of the importance of preventing oral diseases. This program suggests the need for similar outreach activities to be carried out continuously to achieve a wider impact and support efforts to improve overall public health in Pattallassang District.