Improving the participation of 3–14 aged children’s parents in fluoride varnish program: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND: Empowering parents through oral health educational programs is a strategic approach to establishing and reinforcing lasting oral health behaviors in children. The objective of this study was to leverage parental potential by training them to apply FV at home. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study, conducted 2022–2023, included two intervention groups. The study population comprised parents of children aged 3–14 years residing in Mahan and Bardsir counties of Kerman province. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire assessed the feasibility of at-home fluoride varnish application by parents. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA via SPSS version 25. RESULTS: The majority of participants were mothers who were homemakers, residents of Mahan, had one child, and held a university degree. Only variable that increased non-cooperation was father’s education. There was no significant difference observed in scores between parents living in urban or rural areas. Also, no significant difference in scores between parents based on their child’s sex. A significant direct association was found between the child’s age and their scores on the Self-Efficacy, Perceived Effectiveness, and total domains. CONCLUSIONS: Providing effective education to parents about the risks of caries, highlighting the crucial role of fluoride varnish in its prevention, and demonstrating its simple and practical application can foster parental trust and confidence. This plays a significant role in their decision to pursue this treatment for their children.