BACKGROUND:
Oral health conditions such as dental caries and periodontal disease negatively affect quality of life and increase systemic health risks.¹ ,² Schools are pivotal environments for health promotion, with teachers positioned to deliver oral health education; however, inadequate training, limited knowledge, and reduced motivation hinder effective implementation in South Africa.³,⁴ Teachers occupy a pivotal role in shaping children’s oral health education, yet many remain insufficiently prepared for this responsibility. ⁵, ⁶ This study therefore investigates the knowledge and practices of primary school teachers regarding oral health education in the Sedibeng District, South Africa.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional study of 261 schoolteachers in Sedibeng District employed a self-administered 40-item questionnaire assessing oral hygiene habits, knowledge of tooth decay, and willingness to engage in school-based oral health education programs.

RESULTS:
Knowledge assessment indicated that 64.7% of teachers recognized the link between oral and general health, while 70.5% understood methods to prevent gum bleeding. In terms of attitudes, 68.6% agreed that regular dental visits are essential, and 61.7% reported toothache as the primary reason for their most recent visit. Practice assessment showed that 59.4% brushed their teeth twice daily, and 59.0% replaced their toothbrush every three months. A statistically significant association was observed between educational level and mean scores for both knowledge and practices (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Overall, primary school teachers demonstrated adequate oral health knowledge and positive attitudes; however, their reported practices were suboptimal, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to strengthen oral health behaviors within the school setting.