Using a children's dental health carnival as a primary vehicle to educate children about oral health.

This study presents survey results regarding the utilization of a dental carnival as a primary educator of oral health in children. Three-hundred randomly selected parents/guardians (54.7 percent of the sample) returned useable surveys. Most carnival events/booths/characters received high ratings in both educational and entertainment value. The entertainment value of events/booths was enhanced by the level of physical activity involved. A significant reduction in the fear children have in going to the dentist was attributed by respondents to attending the carnival. Respondents indicated that the toothbrushing, flossing and nutrition habits of children were enhanced by the carnival experience. The dental carnival is also seen as being an integral member of the dental team, along with the family and dentist/hygienist, in educating children about dental health.