EFFECT OF MYSTERY BOX DENTAL MEDIA ON DENTAL CARIES KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

Background: Dental caries persists as a major public health issue in the field of oral health
due to its high prevalence among children of elementary school age. Insufficient knowledge
has been identified as a contributing factor, particularly among students in grades 4–6 at Bajang
1 Talun Elementary School, Blitar Regency, which increases their vulnerability to dental caries.
Object: This study aims to evaluate students’ cognitive grasp regarding dental caries through
the use of the Mystery Box Dental educational medium. Method: This research utilized a
descriptive design and was conducted at Bajang 1 Elementary School, Blitar Regency, with a
sample of 37 participants. Data collection was performed using structured questionnaires, and
the responses were analyzed by calculating mean values, which were then expressed in
percentages. Results: The findings of this study revealed an improvement in students’
knowledge, shifting from the poor category to the good category. Thus, it can be deduced that
the Mystery Box Dental medium effectively enhanced the knowledge of dental caries among
students in grades 4–6 at Bajang 1 Elementary School, Blitar Regency, with the overall level
of knowledge falling into the good category.