Evaluation Of Oral Hygiene Practices Among Dental Students - A Cross-Sectional Survey

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Danda Nishitha, Dr.Reshma Poothakulath Krishnan, Dr.Sandhya Sundar

Abstract

Background : The prevention of oral disease is the most acknowledged and efficient method of ensuring oral health. Oral health is now renowned to be equally important in relation to general health. Dental students' oral-health attitude reflects their understanding of the importance of disease prevention and their commitment to improve their patients' oral health; these attitudes should be developed and reinforced during undergraduate training. Recently there’s been a lot of innovative technologies like micro ultrasonics.


Aim : The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and self-care practice behaviors towards maintaining oral-health among dental students.


Methods : Cross sectional survey was conducted among dental students in a private dental institution in Chennai.Online forms were created and distributed among dental students. IBM SPSS software (version 23) has been used for statistical analysis and Chi square was used for comparison.


Result : In regards to the survey,77% of the students studying dentistry are aware of oral hygiene practices. But relatively few of them (22%) follow the oral hygiene practices.When association was done between the gender and using toothpaste containing fluoride, it was noted that both males and females used fluoride toothpaste. Pearson chi square test shows p value is 0.618 (p value >0.05).Hence,it is statistically insignificant . When the gender was compared with different oral hygiene practices followed, both males and females used brush, mouthwash and dental floss for maintaining the oral hygiene. Pearson chi square test shows p value is 0.410 (p value >0.05).Hence,it is statistically insignificant.


Conclusion : There is reasonably good awareness about  oral hygiene practices among students studying dentistry. Further reinforcements with awareness programs, camps and meetings can ensure the practice of these techniques.

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