Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among medical students

Abstract

AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among medical students. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude towards Oral health and personal and professional oral health practices among medical students. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted using structured self-administered 20 item questionnaire, as Google form to all the medical students of ESIC, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad. All the completely filled in forms within 15 days were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were computed and data was presented in the form of tables and graphs. Results: A total of 250 out of 400 participants had submitted completely filled in questionnaire. among whom 40% (100) were males and 60% (150) were females. About 58% (145) had a dental visit previously. About48% (120) experienced gum bleeding. About 28% (71) opted to refer a patient with facial swelling to a general surgeon instead of dentist. About 56% (140) felt untreated dental pain may lead to serious life threatening condition. About 74% (185) felt visiting a dentist would give them correct information about dental issues.