Employment and The Occurrence of Early Childhood Caries(ECC) in ‎Children Aged 2–3 Years at PosyanduRambipuji Village, Jember ‎Regency

  • Authors

    • Roedy Budirahardjo Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia
    • Dyah Setyorini Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia
    • Alavi Najma Student, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia
    • Kiswaluyo Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jember, Indonesia
    https://doi.org/10.14419/70bryx87

    Received date: February 12, 2026

    Accepted date: April 15, 2026

    Published date: April 22, 2026

  • Early Childhood Caries; ECC; Maternal Employment; Early Childhood; Def-T Index

  • Abstract

    Introduction: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the most common oral health problems in early childhood and can cause both short-‎term and long-term impacts on children’s quality of life, including the growth and development of permanent teeth. The occurrence of Early ‎Childhood Caries (ECC) is closely related to the level of parental involvement, particularly mothers’ involvement in paying attention to and ‎supervising children’s oral hygiene habits from an early age. This level of involvement is strongly influenced by the amount of time mothers ‎can spend with their children in daily life. Therefore, maternal employment status is presumed to be associated with the availability of ‎such time, which in turn may affect the intensity of maternal supervision and guidance in children’s oral health care. ‎

    Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal employment and the occurrence of Early Childhood Caries ‎among children aged 2–3 years at Posyandu Rambipuji village, Rambipuji District, Jember Regency. ‎

    Method: This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The study subjects consisted of 63 children ‎aged 2–3 years who met the inclusion criteria. Data on ECC were obtained through clinical examination using the def-t index, while data on ‎maternal employment status were collected using a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and bivariate ‎analyses with Fisher’s Exact Test.‎

    Results: The results showed a statistically significant association between maternal employment status and the occurrence of Early ‎Childhood Caries among children aged 2–3 years. Children of working mothers tended to have higher def-t scores compared to those of ‎non-working mothers. The Fisher’s Exact test showed a p-value of 0.018, indicating a statistically significant association between maternal ‎employment status and Early Childhood Caries occurrence. ‎

    Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between maternal employment status and the occurrence of Early Childhood Caries among ‎children aged 2–3 years at Posyandu Rambipuji village. This study can serve as an initial screening to identify children who are at a higher ‎risk of developing dental caries, particularly those whose mothers are employed. By understanding the characteristics of maternal ‎employment and the potential limitations in time that may affect mothers’ involvement in children’s oral health care, preventive efforts can be ‎implemented earlier and in a more targeted manner. Therefore, promotive and preventive oral health interventions can be focused on high-‎risk groups to more effectively reduce the occurrence of dental caries in early childhood‎.

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    Budirahardjo , R. ., Setyorini , D. ., Najma , A. ., & Kiswaluyo. (2026). Employment and The Occurrence of Early Childhood Caries(ECC) in ‎Children Aged 2–3 Years at PosyanduRambipuji Village, Jember ‎Regency. International Journal of Dental Research, 12(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.14419/70bryx87