Comparing an Interactive Software and Flipchart Media for Dental Health Knowledge Among Elementary School Students in Semarang

Background: According to 2013’ Indonesian National Basic Health Survey (RISKESDAS) data, it was found that the majority of Indonesian, brush their teeth at bathing in the morning or afternoon (76.6%), while the proper times are after breakfast and before going to the bed. Efforts were being made to overcome the problem of oral health community, especially at the early age. Dental health education technique can be done by interactive software and flip chart media. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of those two methods. Method: This study used quasy experiment design with pre and post experiment tests. Total sampling method was adopted in recruiting the subjects at an elementary school. Thirty six children were then divided into 2 groups, who received different method of dental health education (by interactive software and flipchart media). Data were analyzed by paired and independent t-tests. Result: There was a difference between the score of knowledge at before and after education through interactive software media and there was a difference between the score of knowledge before and after education through flipchart. There was no significant difference on the effectiveness, between interactive software media and flipchart use for dental health education. Conclusion: Both educative media, interactive software media and flipchart, were equally effective in educating elementary school students on dental health.