title: Evaluation of tablet PC as a tool for teaching tooth brushing to children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the effect of a single time tooth brushing instruction using video on a tablet PC (Apple iPad) compared to operator presentation using jaw model for plaque removal.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 100 children divided into two groups. For Group 1 brushing was demonstrated to the child by the operator with the use of a jaw model. This demonstration was videotaped for subsequent use in Group 2 using a tablet PC (Apple iPad). Plaque index was recorded before and after demonstration of the assigned method of teaching tooth brushing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed a significant difference using the two methods. The difference between the mean plaque index values with the jaw model and tablet PC at baseline and after tooth brushing represented 17.27% (50% improvement) and 11.56% (34% improvement) respectively. Boys showed a 18.3%. higher improvement in tooth brushing compared to girls. Seventy-five percent of the children reported using tablet computers in their daily life. CONCLUSION Teaching children by using a jaw model was more effective in improving plaque index score than using video on tablet PC by 16%. Both methods of tooth brushing teaching were fully accepted by all children.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Salama
authors.affiliation: General Practitioner, Dental Department, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Abobakr
authors.affiliation: General Practitioner, Dental Department, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Al-Khodair
authors.affiliation: Saudi Endodontic Board, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Wakeel
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D014099:Toothbrushing; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording