Effects of Parents' Education on Dental Fissure Sealant Rate of Preschool Children Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in Iran

Background Fissure sealant therapy is one of the most effective methods for preventing dental caries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of parental education on fissure sealant in the sample of Iranian preschool children. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Sanandaj, West of Iran, in 2019. A total of 120 parents of preschool children were randomly selected and divided into control (n = 60), and intervention (n = 60) groups. The required data were collected by a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior. It consisted of two sections: demographic information and theoretical constructs. The intervention group received four sessions of 45-60 minutes. Education was conducted through lectures and question and answer using pamphlets, brochures, and dental manikins. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: The intervention and control groups were homogeneous before education. They were similar in terms of mean scores of the planned model. However, after an educational intervention, all the scores increased, including the mean attitude score (from 3.09±0.47 to 4.07±0.64), subjective norm score (from 3.2±0.45 to 3.90±0.52), perceived behavioral control score (from 3.172±0.31 to 3.73±0.40), behavioral intention score (from 3.33±0.58 to 4.40±0.62), practice score (from 0 to 19.41±0.6), and knowledge score (from 1.85±2.23 to 7.17 ±1.31). Besides, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, changes in model constructs and knowledge were statistically significant in two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion According to the results with implementing four educational intervention sessions based on the theory of planned behavior on fissure sealant can help increase the fissure sealant rate.