title: Dental knowledge and awareness among grandparents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate grandparent's knowledge and awareness about the oral health of their grandchildren.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grandparents accompanying patients aged 4-8 years, who were living with their grandchildren and caring for them for a major part of the day, when both their parents were at work were included in the study. A 20-item questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, dietary and oral hygiene practices was distributed to them. The sample comprised of 200 grandparents (59 males, 141 females). χ(2) analysis and Gamma test of symmetrical measures were applied to assess responses across respondent gender and level of education.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Oral health related awareness was found to be low among grandparents. In most questions asked, grandparents with a higher level of education exhibited a better knowledge about children's oral health. Level of awareness was not related to their gender.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral hygiene and dietary habits are established during childhood. There is a great need for dental education of grandparents as they serve as role models for young children.
authors: Jyoti Oberoi, Anup Panda, Department of Paediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400614, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Jyoti
authors: J
authors: Oberoi
authors: Jyoti Oberoi, Anup Panda, Department of Paediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400614, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Rahul
authors: R
authors: Kathariya
authors: Jyoti Oberoi, Anup Panda, Department of Paediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400614, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Anup
authors: A
authors: Panda
authors: Jyoti Oberoi, Anup Panda, Department of Paediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400614, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Iti
authors: I
authors: Garg
authors: Jyoti Oberoi, Anup Panda, Department of Paediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400614, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Sonal
authors: S
authors: Raikar
keywords: Awareness; Children; Grandparents; Oral health; Primary teeth