To evaluate the parental perception of oral health related quality of life and barriers to access dental care among children with intellectual needs. Method: This cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 300 parents of children aged 4-12 years with intellectual needs (mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism). Data on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) were collected with parental-caregivers perceptions questionnaire (P-CPQ). DMFT/dmft index was used to express caries prevalence as per World Health Organisation. Chi-squared test, analysis of variance, t-test and correlation were performed. Results: Parents of children who fell in the high severity DMFT category reported higher score in all four domains of OHRQoL when compared to low severity and moderate severity. Parents of children suffering from autism had higher score in all four domain of OHRQoL (p = .000).Majority of the parents rated their children's oral health as either fair (47%) or poor (42%). Predominant barriers for access dental care were financial difficulties (35.3%), lack of knowledge about dental care (24%), transportation difficulties (15%). Conclusion:The present study revealed that higher caries prevalence has negative impact on OHRQoL of children with intellectual needs and their parents faced certain barriers for accessing dental care. K E Y W O R D Saccess to dental care, children with intellectual needs, oral health, parental perception, quality of life INTRODUCTIONChildren represent the future of our society and ensuring their health ought to be the prime concern of all. Oral © 2021 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC health is a key indicator of overall health and wellbeing of children especially children with special health care needs (SHCN). American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines children with SHCN as any physical, developmental,

IntroductionOral diseases are a serious public health problem, which affects the overall health of a person. The lack of available and affordable oral health services, especially in a developing country like India, not only results in aggravation of the disease, but also enhances the cost of treatment and care. Education and involvement of community workers like Anganwadi workers aid to remove stigma, discrimination and provide better atmosphere conducive for patients with various diseases.AimTo assess the knowledge and practice of oral health care among the AWWs of the Pulikeezh block Panchayath before and after an oral health education training.Materials and methodsA self-administered questionnaire was distributed to anganwadi workers of the Pulikeezh block Panchayath, Thiruvalla, Kerala before and after an oral health education training within a period of 3 months.ResultThe mean knowledge and practice scores in the pretest were found to be 9.6 + 2.2 and 5.0 + 1.0 respectively. The posttest conducted after a 3-month period showed an increase in the knowledge and practice score with a mean of 10.9 + 2.2 and 5.7 + 0.6 respectively. The increase in knowledge and practice was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).ConclusionEmpowered women are recognizably key agents in the change process who can play an effective role for health promotion. AWWs can function as oral health guides who can create awareness and help in prevention oral diseases.Clinical significanceAs the oral health of an individual is set in the preschool period and more than 90% of dental diseases are preventable; preventive factors established around this age will determine the person's dental health for many years to come. The inclusion of oral health education in Anganwadi centers can be helpful in prevention of dental diseases.How to cite this articleCherian SA, Joseph E, et al. Empowerment of Anganwadi Workers in Oral Health Care: A Kerala Experience. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(4):268–272.