JDHT Journal of Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Dental Health Calendar as an Innovative Approach to Monitoring Oral Health in Elementary School Children

2026-02-23T12:01:31+07:00

Dental and oral health problems in Indonesia remain high, particularly among elementary school-aged children. Data from the Indonesian Health Survey (2023) indicate a high prevalence of dental caries and inadequate tooth brushing behavior. Innovative educational media are needed as a promotive effort to improve dental health behaviors from an early age. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Dental Health Calendar (KaKesGi) as a monitoring tool and as a means to enhance dental care behaviors and reduce plaque index scores among fifth-grade students at SD Negeri Manyaran 01, Semarang City. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The sample consisted of 74 students, with observation checklists as the research instrument, and the data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The KaKesGi media was provided as an intervention to measure changes in tooth brushing behavior and plaque index scores. The results showed that after using KaKesGi, the proportion of students with good tooth brushing behavior increased from 3% to 11%, while the proportion in the poor category decreased from 16% to 4%. The Wilcoxon test yielded a significant result (p = 0.000), indicating that the use of KaKesGi had a positive impact on improving tooth brushing behavior. The dental cleanliness status based on the plaque index also improved, with the percentage of students categorized as good increasing from 0% on the first day to 100% on the seventh day. The use of the KaKesGi media was effective in enhancing dental care behaviors and oral hygiene among elementary school students

Analysis of Factors Related to The Occurrence of Tooth Loss in The Elderly

2026-04-01T09:27:51+07:00

Background: Dental and oral health problems that often occur in the elderly are periodontal disease and tooth loss. Tooth loss can result in disruption of daily activities such as chewing disorders, causing emotional problems, loss of confidence. Tooth loss in the elderly is usually caused by periodontal disease which is influenced by several other factors. Objective: To analyze the relationship between individual characteristic factors (age and gender), behavior (smoking and oral hygiene/OHI-s) and systemic diseases (Diabetes Mellitus and Dementia) with the occurrence of tooth loss in the elderly as well as the most influential factors. Method: This study is a survey research with a cross sectional design. Sampling using purposive sampling techniques through inclusion criteria is limited to the age of 45-74 years and the elderly who are active in the National Health Insurance (JKN) prolanis program. The respondents of the study were 44 elderly people in Mangkubumi Village, Mangkubumi District, Tasikmalaya City. The affected variables were tooth loss disease, while the influence variables were age, gender, smoking, OHI-S, Diabetes Mellitus, and Dimensiona. Data analysis used spearman rank correlation test and multiple logistic regression. Research Results: The results of the spearman rank test analysis showed that the variables of age, smoking, OHI-S, and Diabetes Mellitus, were related to tooth loss (p-value < 0.25). The results of the analysis of multiple logistic regression variables of age (p-value 0.324), smoking (p-value 0.364), OHI-S (p-value 0.103), and Diabetes Mellitus (p-value 0.000). Conclusion: Systemic disease factors (Diabetes Mellitus) are the most influential factors in the occurrence of tooth loss in the elderly, so it is necessary to control Diabetes Mellitus disease.

A Comparison of Knowledge and Oral Hygiene Status Between Students of Catholic Santa Maria Gorontalo Elementary School snd 11 Telaga Elementary School

2026-04-01T09:31:40+07:00

Background: Oral and dental hygiene is an important part of overall health and should be instilled from an early age. Knowledge and habits related to dental care greatly influence children’s healthy behavior. This study aimed to compare the level of knowledge and oral hygiene status between students of Catholic Santa Maria Elementary School and 11 Telaga Elemntary School. Method: This research used an observational analytic design with a pre-experimental approach. The sample consisted of 60 students, 30 from each school, selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire (to assess knowledge) and direct examination using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHIS). Result: Univariate results showed that most students at Catholic Santa Maria Elementary School had good oral hygiene, while students at 11 Telaga Elemntary School had more varied conditions, ranging from good to poor. Knowledge levels in both schools were mostly high. Bivariate analysis showed a significant difference in oral hygiene status between the two schools, but no significant difference in knowledge levels. Conclusion: although students had high knowledge, oral hygiene practices were not consistent, especially among students at 11 Telaga Elemntary School. Therefore, consistent habits, supervision, and the involvement of both schools and families are needed to build healthy behaviors from an early age.

The Effect of Card Game Media on Improving Elementary School Children’s Attitudes Toward Dental and Oral Health

2026-04-21T07:25:14+07:00

Background: Dental and oral health problems among school-age children remain prevalent due to suboptimal oral hygiene behavior, requiring educational methods that are engaging and age-appropriate. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of educational card game media on improving children’s attitudes toward maintaining dental and oral health. Methods: This research employed a quantitative pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach involving 30 third- and fourth-grade students of Public Elementary School 71 Gorontalo City. The instrument used was a validated and reliable attitude questionnaire. The intervention was conducted using an educational card game containing messages related to dental and oral health behavior. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test after normality testing.. Results: The results showed that before the intervention, most respondents were in the moderate attitude category (96.67%), while after the intervention, most shifted to the good category (93.33%). The mean attitude score increased from 8.37 (moderate) to 14.00 (good). The Wilcoxon test result showed a p-value of 0.000 (p<0.05), indicating a significant difference between pretest and posttest. Conclusion: In conclusion, the card game intervention was effective in improving elementary school children’s attitudes toward dental and oral health and can be used as an alternative educational medium in school health programs.

The Relationship Between The Role of UKS Teachers and The Awareness of Elementary School Children in Maintaining Dental Hygiene at SDN Gobras

2026-04-24T15:30:01+07:00

Oral health is an important aspect of overall health. Elementary school-age children need to be introduced early to oral hygiene to prevent problems such as dental caries, calculus, and periodontal disease. Schools are strategic places to build healthy behaviors in children, one of which is through the role of School Health Unit (UKS) teachers. UKS teachers are responsible for providing counseling, guidance, and assistance to students regarding clean and healthy living behaviors, including oral hygiene. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the role of UKS teachers in oral health education and the awareness of third-grade students in maintaining oral hygiene. The study used a cross-sectional design with 55 third-grade students and 3 UKS teachers at SDN 1 Gobras, Tasikmalaya City. Education was delivered through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations with the support of two dental health students from Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya who had been previously calibrated. The results showed that the Spearman rank test obtained a p-value of 0.000 with a correlation coefficient of r=0.623, indicating a significant relationship with strong correlation. This means that the higher the role of UKS teachers in providing oral health education, the greater the students’ awareness in maintaining oral hygiene. In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between the role of UKS teachers and the awareness of third-grade students at SDN 1 Gobras, and the active involvement of UKS teachers contributes to improving oral health behavior among elementary school children.

Analysis of Caries Experience and Quality of Life in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

2026-04-13T11:49:51+07:00

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that can affect systemic and oral health. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can increase the risk of dental caries through changes in saliva composition, decreased salivary flow, and increased growth of cariogenic bacteria. This study aims to analyze the relationship between caries experience and quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus. The study used an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study were all patients with diabetes mellitus treated at Iskandar Muda Class II Hospital, Aceh. The sample size was calculated using an infinite formula, totaling 67 respondents, and sampling was determined by accidental sampling technique. Caries experience was measured through a clinical examination using the DMF-T index, while quality of life was measured using the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Data analysis was performed univariately to describe the characteristics of respondents and bivariately using the Spearman correlation test with a significance level of p<0.05. The results showed that most patients with diabetes mellitus had to high caries experience (62.7%) and the majority of respondents also experienced a decline in quality of life (70.1%), especially in the dimensions of physical pain, psychological discomfort, and limitations in oral function. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between caries experience and the quality of life of diabetes mellitus sufferers (p<0.05), where the higher the DMF-T score, the lower the respondent's quality of life.

The Relationship Between Knowledge and Motivation for Maintaining Dental and Oral Health for Elderly People with Non-Communicable Diseases (PTM) at the Integrated Health Post (Posbindu) in Setianegara Village

2026-04-21T06:47:22+07:00

The prevalence of dental and oral problems in Indonesia according to Riskesdas 2018 reached 57.6%, with dental caries as the most common disease, followed by periodontal disease. The prevalence of caries even reaches 92.2% at the age of 35–44 years. These two diseases are closely related to systemic diseases, especially diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, which are non-communicable diseases leading the cause of death in the world. DM can cause manifestations in the oral cavity known as oral diabetic, including caries, dry mouth, gingivitis, calculus, alveolar bone resorption, and periodontitis. Uncontrolled DM decreases saliva flow, thereby reducing the effects of self-cleansing and increasing the risk of ulceration, caries, and infection. The health of the oral cavity plays a very important role in the quality of life of the elderly. Poor oral conditions, such as missing teeth, shaking, or cavities, are often found in the elderly with a history of DM and hypertension, and this interferes with mastication function and daily activities. Lack of oral hygiene also exacerbates the risk of caries and periodontal disease in this group. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between knowledge and motivation for maintaining dental and oral health in the elderly with NCDs in Posbindu Setianegara Village. Research Method: This study used a cross-sectional design that was carried out in April–May 2025. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. The research sample amounted to 34 elderly people with NCDs (hypertension and DM) who were selected by technique. The research instruments were in the form of a knowledge questionnaire and a motivational questionnaire for maintaining dental and oral health. Data were analyzed descriptively to illustrate the distribution of knowledge and motivation, and used the Spearman correlation test to determine the relationship between variables. Results: The prevalence of NCDs in the elderly is high and has an impact on oral health. This study analyzed the relationship between knowledge and motivation of the elderly at Posbindu Setianegara (n=34). The majority are knowledgeable (58.8%) and strongly motivated (85.29%). Spearman test r=0.621; p=0.000. There is a significant relationship. Conclusions: There was a significant positive relationship between knowledge and motivation for maintaining dental and oral health in the elderly with NCDs. The better the elderly's knowledge, the higher their motivation is in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth. Sustainable health education at Posbindu is very much needed to increase knowledge while strengthening the motivation of the elderly so that their quality of life is better.

Relationship Between Bottle-Feeding Patterns and Early Childhood Caries in Children at RA Azzahro Assulaha Kersanagara Village Tasikmalaya City

2026-04-09T16:32:56+07:00

Inappropriate bottle feeding or formula feeding patterns, such as feeding methods related to feeding duration, frequency, and timing, can cause early childhood caries in toddlers. Other factors include parents' habits and lack of understanding in paying attention to their children's diet and habits, as well as parents' lack of effort in regularly cleaning their children's teeth and mouth, which can lead to Early Childhood Caries (ECC). ECC is the most common dental disease in children. Objective: To analyse the relationship between bottle-feeding patterns and Early Childhood Caries in children at RA Azzahro Assulaha, Kersanagara Village, Tasikmalaya City. Method: This was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach.The population consisted of 64 participants, comprising 32 parents and 32 children. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires completed by parents and ECC examination forms for children. Results: Very frequent bottle feeding (75%) had a very high impact on the incidence of ECC (78.1%). The Chi-square test result was p=0.000. Conclusion: There is a relationship between very frequent bottle-feeding patterns and an increased incidence of Early Childhood Caries among children at RA Azzahro Kindergarten in Kersanagara District, Tasikmalaya City.

The Effectiveness of Whosit Game Educational Media in Improving Students' Knowledge of Dental Hygiene at SDN Kertajaya IV Surabaya

2026-04-06T08:21:53+07:00

Dental and oral health are essential in maintaining a good quality of life. If tooth and gum damage is left untreated, it may lead to discomfort, difficulty in chewing, and broader systemic complications. One preventive strategy is to practice consistent oral hygiene to reduce the risk of dental diseases. Children are considered a vulnerable group for oral health issues, primarily due to limited awareness of proper dental care. The issue addressed in this study is the low level of behavior related to dental and oral hygiene maintenance among elementary school students. Research objective: To examine the effectiveness of the Whosit Game as an educational medium in improving students’ knowledge of dental hygiene at SDN Kertajaya IV Surabaya. Research method: A pre-experimental approach using a one-group pretest-posttest design. Research sample: Selected through purposive sampling, involving 45 students as participants. Research instrument: A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge levels. Data analysis: Conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, a nonparametric statistical method. Test results: showed that the average student knowledge score before the intervention increased from 57.33 to 82.78 with a significance value of 0.000 (p-value < 0.05), indicating that the use of the Whosit Game is effective in improving students’ knowledge of dental hygiene at SDN Kertajaya IV Surabaya.

The Relationship Between Knowledge of Dental Caries and Dental Caries Experience Among Children Aged 10–12 Years

2026-04-01T10:55:52+07:00

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent oral health problems among school-age children, particularly in the 10–14-year age group. Knowledge of dental caries is a key predisposing factor that can influence oral health behaviors, such as toothbrushing practices and dietary habits, which in turn affect caries experience. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between knowledge of dental caries and caries experience among children aged 10–12 years at SDN 12 Payakumbuh City. This analytical study employed a cross-sectional design involving 40 students selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and clinical examination using the DMF-T index to measure caries experience. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods, with the chi-square test applied to determine the association between variables. The results showed that 37.5% of respondents had good knowledge, 55% had moderate knowledge, and 7.5% had poor knowledge. Regarding caries experience, 67.5% of respondents were categorized as having poor caries status (DMF-T > 1), while 32.5% were categorized as good (DMF-T ? 1). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and caries experience (p < 0.05). Children with better knowledge tended to demonstrate lower caries experience, likely through more favorable oral health behaviors. In conclusion, knowledge of dental caries is significantly associated with children’s caries experience, mediated by oral health behaviors. Strengthening oral health education programs is essential to promote preventive behaviors and reduce the burden of dental caries among school-age children. Early treatment, such as restorative care, is also recommended to prevent further complications.

Parental Roles in the Oral Health Maintenance of Children with Down Syndrome : A Scoping Review

2026-04-02T15:11:23+07:00

Background : Globally, people with disabilities account for more than 1 billion individuals or 15% of the population. In Indonesia, the 2018 Susenas data reports that 14.2% (30.38 million) of the population lives with disabilities. Children with Down syndrome exhibit distinct orofacial characteristics, including a higher prevalence of periodontal disease, malocclusion, delayed tooth eruption, mouth breathing habits, and congenital dental anomalies such as hypodontia and microdontia. Purpose : This literature review aims to analyze the role of parents in maintaining oral health and supporting oral hygiene practices in children with Down syndrome. Methods : A literature search was conducted using databases (PubMed and Scopus) following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with inclusion criteria limited to articles published within the last 10 years. Results : The review indicates that children with Down syndrome have a high prevalence of periodontal disease, malocclusion, and poor oral hygiene status (OHI-S), mainly due to functional limitations. Although the DMF-T index tends to be lower compared to other disabilities, oral health problems remain significant. Parents play a crucial role in assisting daily oral hygiene practices, ensuring access to dental care, and supporting preventive behaviors. However, limited parental knowledge and awareness, along with restricted access to dental services, contribute to suboptimal oral health outcomes. Conclusion : Parental involvement is essential in maintaining oral health in children with Down syndrome, particularly in overcoming functional limitations. However, inadequate knowledge and limited access to preventive and promotive oral health services hinder optimal care. Strengthening parental education and improving access to dental health services are necessary to enhance oral health outcomes in this population.

Fluoride in Drinking Water and its Impact on Caries and Dental Fluorosis in Indonesia: a Systematic Review

2026-04-06T08:28:04+07:00

Fluoride content in drinking water is one of the chemical indicators of drinking water quality that is safe for consumption. Fluoride in drinking water has an impact on human health, such as caries and dental fluorosis. This study aims to determine the correlation between fluoride content in drinking water and the incidence of caries and dental fluorosis in Indonesia with a systematic review study. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) method, this study was conducted by searching online electronic-based research literature from several databases, namely Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed, and Scopus with a limit of 2012 to June 2022. Furthermore, an assessment of the quality of the research literature was carried out using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). The research literature obtained was analyzed descriptively, extracting p values and effect sizes. The search results found 2,274 pieces of research literature, of which eight kinds of literature met the research criteria. The incidence of dental caries was higher in people who consumed drinking water with lower fluoride content, while in areas with fluoride content exceeding the optimal limit, they tended to experience a higher incidence of dental fluorosis. The results of the study stated that there is a correlation between fluoride content in drinking water and the incidence of caries and dental fluorosis in Indonesia. Future research related to fluoride in drinking water and its impact on caries and dental fluorosis in Indonesia needs to be conducted to determine its influence by considering risk factors and respondent characteristics.

The Effectiveness of Quartet Card Game in Improving Knowledge Dental Health

2026-04-08T08:15:49+07:00

throughout the world, including the Indonesian people. The community needs to get dental health promotion efforts through various media because the media has the ability to convey messages in an interesting, easy-to-understand and understandable way. One of the promotional efforts is by using game media so that it can be used as an educational medium about dental and oral health, namely the quartet card game. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the quartet card media on increasing knowledge of dental and oral health of 4th grade students of UPT SPF Tidung State Elementary School, Makassar City. The type of research used is quantitative with a quasi-experimental method of one group pre-post test including game socialization, pre-test , game implementation, and post-test with a non-probability sampling technique by purposive sampling totaling 69 respondents. Analysis of the research results using the Wilcoxon test non-parametric testing . The average value of students' knowledge before was 67.54 and the average value of knowledge after was 88.12 with a difference value of 20.58. Respondents experienced an increase in knowledge scores after playing the quartet card game.

Simulation Method Can Increase The Knowledge About Toothbrushing of The Students in Level IV in SDN 7 Pedungan in 2025

2026-04-21T16:25:37+07:00

Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (2023) stated that the largest proportion of dental problems in Indonesia are decayed teeth (43.6%) and in the province of Bali (31.6%). The results of the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey in Bali Province, the percentage of the population aged ? 3 years old who brush their teeth every day is 77.4%, but those who behave properly brush their teeth are only 12.4%. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the simulation method in dental health education on improving the knowledge of fourth-grade students of SDN 7 Pedungan regarding proper toothbrushing techniques in 2025. This study is a quasi-experimental research with a total sample of 64 participants. Data collection was conducted in April 2025. The results showed that the average level of students’ knowledge before the counseling was 73.3, and after the counseling the average knowledge score increased to 94.6. The results of the bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that there was a significant effect between before and after counseling using the simulation method, with a p-value less than 0.05. The conclusion of this study is that the simulation method can improve toothbrushing knowledge among fourth-grade students of SDN 7 Pedungan in 2025.

Effect of Chewing Pineapple and Watermelon on Students’ Plaque

2026-04-02T15:42:16+07:00

Poor dental hygiene in adolescents leads to plaque buildup. One way to maintain dental and oral hygiene is through dietary habits, including fruit consumption. Juicy fruits, such as pineapple and watermelon, have the potential to remove plaque. However, research comparing pineapple and watermelon on dental hygiene has not been widely conducted, especially among high school-aged adolescents. The following study aims to determine the effectiveness of chewing pineapple (Ananas comosus) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) on plaque index. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a two-group pre- and post-test design. A total of 32 students from SMA Yayasan Pengembangan Pendidikan Buntong Tateli participated, drawn by purposive sampling. The pineapple and watermelon weighed 125 grams, divided into four small pieces. Each piece was instructed to chew eight times on one side of the jaw as cleaning technique. The plaque index category was determined based on the difference in plaque scores before and after consuming pineapple or watermelon. This intervention was conducted on one day. The results showed an average plaque index for the pineapple pre-test of 3.95±0.69 and a post-test of 2.12±0.86. Thus, the plaque index decreased by 1.83±0.74. The average plaque index before chewing watermelon was 3.82±1.03 , and after 2.21±0.95. The plaque index decreased by 1.61±0.80. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test statistical analysis yielded p = 0.01 ? ? = 0.05. The conclusion is that chewing both pineapple and watermelon can reduce plaque levels. However, the reduction in plaque levels is slightly greater with pineapple.

Behavior in Maintaining Dental and Oral Health Based on The Theory of The Health Belief Model in The Community of Sucopangepok Village, Jember

2026-04-19T08:01:07+07:00

Dental problems such as dental caries and periodontal disease remain prevalent across various age groups. Many individuals have not yet adopted proper oral health behaviors, including regular toothbrushing, controlling sugar intake, and routine dental check-ups, all of which contribute to the prevention of oral diseases. This study aims to describe oral health behaviors based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) among the community of Sucopangepok Village, Jelbuk District, Jember. Methods: This study employed a descriptive observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of adults aged 18–59 years from three hamlets in Sucopangepok Village. A total of 95 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. The study applied the Health Belief Model (HBM), which explains that health behavior is influenced by individuals’ perceptions and beliefs regarding a disease. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented in frequency distribution tables, mean, and standard deviation. Results: The respondents’ perception components were categorized as high for perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action and self-efficacy, indicating a tendency toward maintaining oral health behaviors. Meanwhile, perceived barriers were categorized as low, suggesting that respondents still experienced several obstacles in maintaining oral health, such as limited access to health services. Conclusion: The oral health behavior of the Sucopangepok Village community ranged from low to high categories. The high category reflects strong awareness of risks, impacts, and the benefits of preventive oral health behaviors. Meanwhile, the low category indicates that the community still faces barriers in maintaining proper oral health.

Antibacterial Activity of Cinnamon Bark Extract (Cinnamomum Burmannii) Against Staphylococcus Aureus (Atcc) Bacteria

2026-04-06T10:34:08+07:00

Staphylococcus aureus is one of bacteria causing dental caries. More efforts to control bacterial growth in oral cavity including using natural resources like cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmanni). Cinnamon bark contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and phenols, which are recognized have antibacterial activity. This research was an experimental study with a post-test only control group design. Cinnamon bark extract was obtained using maceration method with 80% ethanol and tested using disc diffusion method at concentrations of 6.25%, 12.5%, and 25%. Chlorhexidine was used as a positive control, and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) as a negative control. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Post Hoc tests. Results showed that average diameter of the inhibition zone of cinnamon bark extract against Staphylococcus aureus was in strong category at concentrations of 6.25% (11.93 mm), 12.5% (13.33 mm), and 25% (17.1 mm). Shapiro-Wilk test showed that data were normally distributed, and ANOVA indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05). Post-hoc Tukey test showed that cinnamon bark significantly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (p < 0.05) at a 25% concentration. Conclusion : cinnamon bark extract demonstrate potential antibacterial activity in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus.

Storytelling Using Hand Puppets Can Improve Oral Health Knowledge in Children Aged 3-5 Years

2026-04-13T11:17:55+07:00

Background: The people of the Outer Baduy Tribe, especially children aged 3-5 years, have low knowledge about dental health. Literature review shows that there has been no previous research that focuses on improving dental health knowledge for the Baduy Luar community, especially children aged 3-5 years. Therefore, in this study, efforts are made to increase knowledge in the form of education about dental health with a fairytale approach using the medium of hand puppets in this population. Research Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dental health education with a fairy tale approach using hand puppet media in children aged 3-5 years in the Outer Baduy Tribe community. Research Method: This study uses a pre-experimental method with one group pretest-posttest design, the sample used in the study totals 24 respondents, the sampling technique uses a non-probability sampling technique in the form of puposive sampling. The data analysis in this study uses bivariate analysis, namely the Wilcoxon Test. Research Results: Statistical tests show that there is a significant increase between pre-test and post-test which is seen at the mean value from 3.63 to 8.29 with a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05) on the knowledge variable which can be concluded that dental health education with a fairy tale approach using hand puppet media can increase the knowledge of children aged 3-5 years in the outer Baduy Tribe community. Conclusion: the use of hand puppets with a fairy tale approach has proven to be an effective strategy for dental health education in this population.