Association Between Dental Health Knowledge and Dental Caries Among Students with Visual Impairments Using a Braille Questionnaire: A Cross-Sectional Study at SMPLB-A YPAB Surabaya

Abstract

Visual impairment can restrict access to health information and make independent oral-hygiene practices more difficult, potentially increasing the burden of dental caries among school-aged children. However, evidence regarding the association between oral health knowledge and dental caries among visually impaired students remains limited, particularly in Indonesian special-school settings. This study aimed to determine the relationship between oral health knowledge and dental caries among visually impaired students at SMPLB-A YPAB Surabaya in 2024. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 30 visually impaired students selected using total sampling. Oral health knowledge was assessed using a 20-item Braille questionnaire covering toothbrushing practices, diet, dental visits, and oral-health consequences, while dental caries was clinically assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMF-T) index. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and Spearman’s rank correlation test with a significance level of 0.05. Most respondents demonstrated an adequate level of oral health knowledge (56.7%), while the mean DMF-T score was 12.4, indicating a high caries burden. The Spearman analysis showed a statistically significant but weak positive correlation between oral health knowledge and DMF-T score (r = 0.391; p = 0.033). Thus, although knowledge and caries status were statistically associated, the positive direction of the correlation should not be interpreted as evidence that greater knowledge reduces dental caries. The findings indicate that oral health knowledge is related to dental caries status in this population, but knowledge alone may not explain the high caries burden. Comprehensive preventive strategies incorporating accessible oral-health education, toothbrushing support, dietary guidance, family and teacher involvement, and regular dental care should therefore be considered for visually impaired students.