Adaptation Of Oral Hygiene Habits In Dental Professionals: A Kap Study

Abstract

Objective: The present survey was carried out to assess the practice and perception of dental professionals towards their own dental care. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried from May 2019 to April 2020, in Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi. Ethical approval was obtained from institutional review board. A self- administered questionnaire was developed comprising of 20 questions among the dental personnel (Staff and BDS students) of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine Karachi, Pakistan, to assess their practice and care, regarding their own oral hygiene. Responses were collected through both, the hard copy and an online google form link. Data was evaluated for 176 complete forms. For all the asked questions, a comparison was also made between male and female candidates, and between their academic levels. For all the variable as categorical values, percentages were tabulated using SPSS 21. Results: The results indicated that not all the dental professionals had their same practice to maintain oral hygiene. Not all of them were following the proper theoretical knowledge. From their choices of toothpastes to their habits of flossing and using additional aids for maintaining oral hygiene, majority factors varied individually in spite of the fact that there is well-awareness of consequences of negligence. Conclusion: It was found that not all the dental practitioners follow the proper guidelines to maintain oral hygiene, and not all of them follow the instructions they give to their patients. Key Words: Oral Hygiene, Dental Professionals, Tooth Paste, Mouth Wash, Dentistry, Oral Hygiene Maintenance, Dental practitioners.