Background <p>Adolescence is a critical milestone in the transition to adulthood. Factors affecting oral health, an essential component of general health during this period, also influence public health. This study investigates the potential impact of parental education level (PEL) and daily total daily screen time (DTST) on adolescent oral health using a large sample size.</p> Methods <p>A total of 1300 adolescents aged 17 and 18 from Ordu Province were included in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess PEL, DTST, and other habits that may influence dental caries. Oral health was evaluated using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Significant Caries Index (SiC). Associations between variables were analyzed using regression analysis and the chi-square test.</p> Results <p>Higher PEL was significantly associated with lower DMFT scores (<i>β</i> = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.53 to − 0.21, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). A significant relationship was also found between screen time and DMFT scores, with longer screen times associated with higher DMFT values (<i>β</i> = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.45, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Additionally, a significant inverse relationship was identified between PEL and DTST, indicating that higher education was associated with shorter screen exposure (<i>ρ</i> = −0.20, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Increased screen time was also linked to more frequent consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, as well as poorer oral hygiene behavior (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). However, no significant association was found between PEL and toothbrushing frequency (<i>p</i> = 0.252).</p> Conclusions <p>Parental education and screen time significantly affected adolescents’ oral health, with higher education levels and shorter screen time being associated with lower DMFT and SiC scores, better hygiene, and healthier diets, and must be integrated into public health strategies aimed at improving adolescent oral health.</p> Trial registration <p>Not applicable.</p>