Effect of Traditional and Virtual Oral Hygiene Instruction to School Health Instructors on Plaque Index of Elementary Schoolchildren

AIM: This study compared the effect of traditional and virtual oral hygiene instruction to school health instructors on plaque index (PI) elementary schoolchildren. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this descriptive, analytical study, 66 schools in Kermanshah city were selected by cluster sampling. The first participated a pretest filled out questionnaire. O’Leary’s 339 schoolchildren was measured at baseline. Next, received instructions two groups (n = 33) through an online course classroom setting. After 3 weeks, post-test held same questionnaire for 2nd time. months, PI students again. Data analyzed using Chi-square test, t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, ANOVA. RESULTS: Both methods significantly enhanced knowledge (p < 0.001) but more effective 0.02). No significant association noted between age, work experience instructors, or their level education with group > 0.05). An inverse correlation age caused improvement 0.001). CONCLUSION: Correct (preferably instruction) can reduce