Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, often resulting from inadequate oral hygiene practices and insufficient parental supervision. In Surabaya, elementary school students frequently exhibit poor dental hygiene, leading to increased risks of cavities, gum disease, and related health problems. Parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s oral health habits through guidance, supervision, and creating supportive home environments. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of parents’ roles in preventing caries and improving dental hygiene among students at Galuh Handayani Inclusion Elementary School, Surabaya.

A descriptive-analytic study design was employed, involving 60 students aged 7–12 years and their parents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, observation checklists of oral hygiene practices, and interviews with parents regarding their involvement in children’s dental care routines. Statistical analyses included frequency distributions and correlation tests to examine the relationship between parental involvement and children’s oral hygiene status.

The results indicated that students whose parents actively supervised tooth brushing, provided educational guidance, and monitored dietary habits had significantly lower incidences of dental caries compared to students with minimal parental involvement. Parental engagement was positively associated with children’s consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. The study highlights that implementing structured parental roles, combined with school-based oral health education, can effectively improve dental hygiene behavior and reduce caries prevalence.