Journal of School of Public Health and

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Background and Aim: Although there have been several epidemiologic studies on first permanent molar caries in Iranian students, the need for endodontic therapy has not been investigated so far.
The purpose of this study was to assess the need for first molar root canal therapy in 7- to 11-year-old schoolchildren and its association with age, gender, and parent education level.

Materials and Methods: We selected 885 students (572 girls and 313 boys) from 12 elementary schools, using a random cluster sampling method. We recorded the subjects' identities and examined their maxillary and mandibular first molars with a mirror and an explorer. In case of any doubts about the need for endodontic therapy, we performed vitality tests and/or obtained periapical radiography. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: In 26 students (3%) there was an indication for endodontic treatment of the first molars. Of these, 18 teeth were in mandible and 8 in the maxilla. The need for endodontic therapy was significantly related to the subjects' age and the parents' education level. We did not detect a significant association between gender and the need for endodontic therapy.

Conclusion: We recommend pit and fissure sealant plus fluoride therapy, beginning with the eruption of the first permanent molars- especially in the mandible.

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Background and aim: Oral and dental diseases limit an individual&aposs activities at the school, work place and home, leading to a loss of millions of work and school hours all over the world. The period of adolescence is critical as regards shaping of healthy behaviors related to oral and dental diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe school pupils&apos viewpoints on factors influencing development of dental caries.  

Materials and Methods: A qualitative study with a content analysis approach was conducted to collect the perspectives of 18 Iranian students in 8 guidance schools selected by purposive sampling. Structured and semi-structured interviews were held to collect data. An informed consent was obtained and the interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data was analyzed through an inductive approach of content analysis. In order to support the validity and rigor of the data, different criteria such as acceptability, confirmability and transferability were utilized.

Results: Data analysis could identify four major factors influencing dental caries development: "family interactions in dental health", "role of school in caring for teeth", "role of dentists in caring for teeth" and "effect of education in caring for teeth". The factors influencing caring for teeth and mouth had a greater significance.

Conclusion: The students&apos experiences, as observed in this study, can help in developing mutual trust between students and dentists, delivering better services in schools by relevant organizations, and designing more effective oral health interventions, with due consideration of vital role of the parents.

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Background and Aim: women’s barriers and beliefs are important in the care of teeth and oral health in family and it influence on family’s goals, values and health behavior. Depend on the role of women in shaping health behaviors in family and explain their experiences in the field of oral and dental diseases, the aim of this study was to apply grounded theory approach to develop a process about dental caries in women. Materials and Methods: A grounded theory design was used for data gathering and analysis. 23 participants including 18 women, 3 dentists and 2 spouses were chosen through purposive and theoretical sampling methods. Face to face and semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were held to gather data. Interviews were recorded, taped and analyzed via the grounded theory method developed by Strauss and Corbin. In order to support the validity and rigor of the data, different criteria such as acceptability, confirmability and transferability were utilized. Results: During the data analysis, the core category of “Promoting acknowledge for preservation of teeth” and five main themes of “destructive factors of teeth”, “maintaining dental”, “social and environmental factors”, “Effective believes in dental health”and“Trying to rebuild teeth” were developed. Conclusion: To prevent of oral and dental disease, promoting women’s awareness is not only individual factor but also family, dentist, social and religious believers and policies and executive systems are important. The findings of this study can be effective in designing educational appropriate models in women’s oral and dental health and also may be useful for developing educational context in dentists and policymakers.