Suitability of teachers as oral health educators

In view of the vast number of people to whom dental services are not accessible, the WHO has proposed the use of lay persons as health educators. This study investigated the suitability of teachers in Gazankulu to fulfil this role. Two hundred and twenty-two teachers from the district of Letaba provided the study population. Oral health status was measured and a structured questionnaire was administered which probed areas such as knowledge, attitudes, reported behaviour, motivation and interest. The mean DMFT was 4,7 with an M component of 3,6 while 28 per cent of subjects were free from caries. The majority of subjects expressed an adequate knowledge of causes of decay, frequency of brushing, dental visits and fluoride. In terms of oral health status and knowledge the teachers appear to be suitable as oral health educators. With regard to utilisation of services, their self-assessment, attitudes, motivation and interest, several contradictions exist, which raise some doubt about their suitability. This however, can be minimised by adequate training and does not preclude the utilisation of teachers as oral health educators, especially in the context of the social reality in Gazankulu.