Abstract

To assess parents attitudes to the dental care of their children , taking into account the family#x2019;s socio economic background. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was formulated based on the literature review and the objective of the study and was self administered to 400 parents , oral examination of the child was performed using WHO dentition status and treatment needs. Chi square test s were used for analysis. Results: The knowledge of parents regarding primary teeth based on their socioeconomic status in which majority of parents from group II reported that primary teeth stay for 3 to 6yrs of age while parents from group V said that primary teeth will stay till 12 yrs of age. There was a statistically significant difference between the various socioeconomic groups (p=0.000). Parents from group II said that the child will have difficulty in chewing food, group I parents agreed that permanent teeth will be effected were as parents from group V said that there will be no effects of early loss of primary teeth. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of prevention to combat dental caries. Prevention programs should target specific groups; however, the best strategy depends on several factors, including cultural, economic, and geographic factors. The most suitable strategy depends on local factors.