THE EFFECT OF THE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION MODEL ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND TOOTHBRUSHING SKILLS OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS (SLB) IN INDONESIA

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Abstract

Objective: To develop and analyze the effectiveness of an oral health education model in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and toothbrushing skills of children with
intellectual disabilities in Special Schools (SLB). Materials and Methods: Quasi- experimental study with pre test, post-test and control group, completed in 2025. The study population consisted of all teachers (10) and children with intellectual
disabilities (60) with intellectual disabilities from two state SLB schools in the city of Jambi, Indonesia. 70 participants (60 children and 10 teachers) were selected through purposive sampling, with 35 participants (30 children and 5 teachers) in each intervention and control group. The research instruments included a knowledge
questionnaire, an attitude scale, and a toothbrushing skills observation checklist. All instruments underwent validity and reliability testing, and a pilot test was conducted prior to the main study to ensure clarity, feasibility, and measurement consistency.
Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc LSD test, and independent t-test with a significance level of p= < 0.05. Results: The oral health education model developed for children with children intellectual disabilities was
proven effective in increasing their knowledge, attitudes, and toothbrushing skills. The analysis showed a significant improvement between pre-test and post-test
scores in the intervention group (p= 0.000). The independent t-test also revealed significant differences between the intervention and control groups for all variables (p= < 0.05). Conclusion: The oral health education model is effective in improving the
knowledge, attitudes, and toothbrushing skills for children with intellectual disabilities.