The Journal of

  Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a dental student’s education and health volunteers' education on the knowledge, attitude, performance of housewives.

  Methods: In this study first a questionnaire and a booklet containing oral health instructions were prepared. Then 80 women attending two health centers were chosen for the study.

  Health volunteers received oral health instructions. Women were allocated into 2 groups group A received oral health education from a dental student, while group B was trained by health volunteers.

  Both groups completed the questionnaire and the plaque index scores were recorded. After this step all participant were supplied by the oral health instruction booklet. The filling of the questionnaires and recording the plaque index scores were repeated after 3 months.

  Using Wilcoxon ranks test and Mann-Whitney test the data were then analyzed.

  Results: The results of this study showed a significant increase in knowledge, attitude and performance while the plaque index decreased after 3 month. Comparing the effect of oral health education there was no significant difference between a dental student and health volunteers.

  Conclusion: The finding of this study indicated that health volunteers could serve as oral health trainers in the community.