ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL RESULTS IN THE PROMOTION OF ELDERLY DENTAL HEALTH IN SUKOHARJO REGENCY

Abstract

The Indonesian population with the proportion aged 55-64 years has dental and oral health
problems as much as 61.9% and age >65 years (elderly) as much as 54.2%. In the 55-64
year age group, 48.5% of cavities were found, 29% missing or extracted teeth, 4.2% filling
teeth, and 15.9% for loose teeth and for those aged >65 years (elderly) mostly have cavities.
The low knowledge of the elderly about dental health will have an impact on the behavior
of the elderly which can then lead to low dental health status of the elderly. The purpose
of this study was to determine the effectiveness of health promotion with counseling
methods to increase knowledge of oral health behavior in the elderly. The research method
used was counseling, medical check-up, and participants filled out pre-test and post-test
questionnaires directly. The results of the knowledge level data indicate that the service
and counseling activities held are very beneficial for the elderly community in Sukoharjo
Regency who have never received dental and oral health counseling and general
examinations. Based on this, it was proven that as many as 78.23% of participants had
gained an increased understanding of the extension materials provided.