부산대학교 도서관

Objectives: In this study, existing knowledge and needs of childcare teachers for developing oral health education plans for infants and young children were investigated. Methods: From March to April 2023, an online questionnaire survey led to the collection of data from 150 childcare teachers. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 program. Results: Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) revealed that importance and knowledge of oral health education, importance of oral health, and prevention of oral diseases were priority areas, and treatment, symptoms, and causes were priority areas that needed improvement. According to the IPA on the importance of and demand for oral health education support, the importance and demand for an educational plan were both high. Expert education based on educational goals, information sharing, educational environment support, evaluation system, and monitoring was low in importance but high in demand. Conclusions: Oral care habits during infancy are important for maintaining oral health throughout life. Oral care practice should be improved by developing an oral health education plan for childcare teachers to implement.