Dental Behavior Inventory Research Articles

Oral Health Behavior and Practice among Nursing Students in Hyderabad City, Pakistan

Objective: To investigate the oral health behavior and practice among nursing students of Hyderabad. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 nursing students from three different institutes of Hyderabad from November to December 2018. Nursing students with age 16 years and above with no restriction of gender were selected through non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through the questionnaire designed on the basis of Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.57±4.67 years. Overall highest mean HU-DBI score was found for age group 31-35 (3.91±0.850), for male (3.92±0.750), for BSN Post RN (3.91±0.856) and for 2ndyear students (3.84±0.912). A statistically signiicant difference was observed for gender only (p-value < 0.001). The majority (83.3%) of the participants brush their teeth every day. Half of the participants mentioned that they use a brush and miswak every day. More than 90% of participants did not use mouthwash and toothpick regularly. Only 8.2% of nursing students loss daily. Conclusion: Male nursing students were found to be more conscious about their dental hygiene. There was no signiicant difference in dental behavior among nursing students of different years and education program. There was a lack of loss practice among nursing students. The behavior of nursing students about oral health was adequate. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 nursing students from three different institutes of Hyderabad from November to December 2018. Nursing students with age 16 years and above with no restriction of gender were selected through non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through the questionnaire designed on the basis of Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI).

Complex interrelations between self-reported oral health attitudes and behaviors, the oral health status, and oral health-related quality of life.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and test a moderated mediation model that was able to describe the relationships between oral health-related attitudes and behaviors, oral health status (OHS), and oral health-related quality of life. The hypothesized relations corresponded to research questions such as “is a person’s oral health predicted by the actions that person takes in order to prevent oral health conditions?” and “do individuals with better oral health also have higher levels of oral health-related quality of life?”.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional correlational study with selected predictor variables was conducted in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, among 191 participants, enrolled in the fourth and sixth years of study at the Dentistry School of the Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Cluj-Napoca. Participants completed the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HUDBI) questionnaire targeting specific behavior and attitude with respect to their dental self-care, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) short questionnaire for measuring oral health-related quality of life, and the current OHS was assessed objectively using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth/Surfaces (DMFT) index. Statistical analyses were done using structural equation modeling software.ResultsOur research showed relevant associations between HUDBI, DMFT, and OHIP. The relationship between HUDBI and OHIP was mediated by DMFT. Furthermore, HUDBI worked as a moderator between DMFT and OHIP. Thus, our study revealed a case for moderated mediation, which is usually ignored in similar research.ConclusionThe “straightforward” causality between oral health-related behavior and the actual OHS must be considered with caution, as well as their impact on the oral health-related quality of life. Further research is needed to investigate the interaction between variables, the strength of the interrelations and the magnitude of their interactions, and the confidence that can be placed in these measurements, with respect to the general population and/or those lacking domain-specific education.

Self-reported differences in oral health attitudes and behaviors of health-care students at a University in Malaysia

Abstract Background: Oral health is a vital part of general health. An individual’s perception on oral health is reflected by their oral health attitudes and behaviors. Aim: To determine and compare the oral health attitudes and behaviors of dental, medical, and nursing students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Methods: A modified version of Hiroshima University– Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI)-based questionnaire consisting of 20 items was distributed to all health-care students (n = 1166) of USM. HU-DBI score was calculated using responses to 12 HU-DBI items in the questionnaire. HU-DBI scores of the three groups were compared using one-way ANOVA complemented by Bonferroni test. Scores among preclinical and clinical levels were compared using independent t-test. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences in distribution of all items in the HU-DBI survey. Results: Dental students had the highest mean HU-DBI score (7.79 ± 1.58), followed by their nursing (6.99 ± 1.46) and medical (6.42 ± 1.58) counterparts. The mean HU-DBI score for all clinical students (7.04 ± 1.75) was significantly higher than those in their preclinical years (6.64 ± 1.56). Among the 12 HU-DBI items that were used to calculate the HU-DBI scores, items 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 19 show significant difference between the distributions of responses within the 3 groups (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Dental students demonstrated better oral health attitudes. However, all our future health-care provider needs to have better attitudes toward oral health. Hence, comprehensive oral health awareness programs need to be incorporated to all health-care students throughout their study programs.

Oral health-related quality of life among Belgrade adolescents

Background/Aim. Adolescents are vulnerable group in term of acquisition of oral health-related knowledge, habits and attitudes. That is why the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between dental status, dental anxiety and oral health-related behavior and oral healthrelated quality of life as captured by Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) index. Methods. This crosssectional survey included representative sample of 404 adolescents (15 years old), randomly recruited from high schools in Belgrade, Serbia. The adolescents were interviewed using Serbian versions of eight-item OIDP index, Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HUDBI) and modified Corah?s Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Three previously trained and calibrated dentists examined the subjects in the classrooms to determine the oral health status of adolescents [the Decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index and visual signs of gingivitis]. Results. At least one oral impact was reported in 49.50% of adolescents. Most frequently, oral health problems affected eating (26.73%), tooth cleaning (27.47%) and sleep and relaxation (16.83%). In comparison with adolescents without oral impacts, the adolescents with at least one oral impact reported, had higher DMFT score, more often reported problems with bleeding gums, usage of hard toothbrush, worries about the color of their teeth and seeing the dentist because of the symptoms. Logistic regression showed that dental anxiety (MDAS score), dental behavior (HUDBI score) and worrying about the color of the teeth significantly affected OIDP score. Conclusion. Oral healthrelated quality of life among adolescents was affected by their behavior and dental anxiety levels. Implementing public health policies that target adolescents with poor oral health or bad habits might be helpful in improving their oral health-related quality of life.

Oral health beliefs and behaviors of nurse and nurse practitioner students using the HU-DBI inventory: An opportunity for oral health vicarious learning

Background: Oral health access to care issues are resulting in curricular changes to train nursing students as oral health educators and providers. However, little data are available concerning their personal oral health beliefs/behaviors. The study purpose was to gather information from nurse and nurse practitioner students regarding their oral health beliefs and behaviors.Methods: Using the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI), survey data were gathered from nurse and nurse practitioner students as well as dental hygiene students as controls concerning their oral health beliefs and behaviors.Results: Mean HU-DBI scores were higher among nurse practitioner than nursing students, indicating more positive beliefs/behaviors, but both were lower than dental hygiene students. Both nurse and nurse practitioner students reported significantly fewer dental visits and some poorer hygiene practices than controls. Additionally, nursing students were more likely to believe that their teeth were worsening despite brushing.Conclusions: Assessment of personal oral health beliefs/behaviors should occur early in nursing education with mentoring so that optimal modeling can positively impact patients’ oral health. Oral health education opportunities within and among disciplines are discussed.

The effect of education on oral health students' attitudes in Australia and New Zealand.

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health attitudes and behavior of students in the oral health curriculum in Australia and New Zealand.Materials and Methods:The Hiroshima University - Dental Behavioral Inventory was administered to students in the first (year 1) and final years (year 3) of the oral health curriculum at Charles Sturt University in Australia and the University of Otago in New Zealand. A total of fifty-two year 1 students and forty-five year 3 students completed English version of the questionnaire in 2013. The responses were statistically analyzed by Fisher's exact tests and exact logistic regression models.Results:The responses of students in years 1 and 3 differed significantly for “I worry about the color of my teeth” at Charles Sturt University and at the University Otago, for “I think my teeth are getting worse despite my daily brushing,” “I put off going to the dentist until I have a toothache,” and “I don't feel I've brushed well unless I brush with strong strokes.” The estimated odds ratios from the exact logistic regression models showed that year 1 students were more likely to agree with above-mentioned four questions.Conclusions:Oral Health students who had been educated in a 3-year oral health curriculum in Australia and New Zealand had more positive attitudes and behaviors related oral health than did students at the beginning of their curriculum.

Oral Health Behaviours and Attitudes using the Modified Arabic Version of Hiroshima University – Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) among Sudanese Dental Students

Oral Health Behaviours and Attitudes using the Modified Arabic Version of Hiroshima University – Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) among Sudanese Dental Students

Knowledge, Attitudes and Habits Regarding Oral Health in First- and Final-Year Dental Students

The purpose of the research was to compare oral health behavior and plaque indices between Croatian first-year and final-year dental students. Therefore, 46.9% of first-year and 47% of final-year dental students were surveyed using the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire and had their plaque indices determined. Descriptive statistics analysis, nonparametric tests, and correlation analysis were performed (p<0.05). Sixth-year students had a significantly better mean HU-DBI score (8.06) than first-year students (6.45). Significantly more first-year students thought that they could not help having false teeth at their old age (p=0.007), had never been taught professionally how to brush (p=0.019), and used a toothbrush with hard bristles (p=0.001). Significantly more final-year students brushed each of their teeth carefully (p=0.008), thought they could clean their teeth well without using tooth paste (p=0.000), used a dye to see how clean their teeth were (p=0.002), and had their dentist telling them they brushed very well (p=0.028). Plaque index values were significantly lower (p<0.05) among first-year (7.94±0.72) than among final-year (9.13±0.77) students. With advancement in dental training, oral health attitudes improved, but the level of dental students' oral hygiene decreased.

ORAL HEALTH ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS AMONG PATIENTS IN A DENTAL HOSPITAL IN ANKARA, TURKEY

Purpose: Information about public’s knowledge and attitude about oral diseases and their prevention would indicate the need for education of the community. The objective of this study was to have a foresight about oral health attitude and behavior among adult patients in a state dental hospital, Ankara. Material and Method: Questionnaire was prepared using Turkish version of Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) and additional 7 questions. 258 number of patients participated. Edentulous patients and patients under 12 years old were kept out of the study. Pearson’s ChiSquare,Kruskall-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to analyse the results. Results: The average age was 33.0. Of the participants, 51.2% was female and 48.8% was male. 14.3% of the patients was graduated from primary school, 12.1% secondary school, 36.4% high school, 3.9% open university, 33.3% university and post graduate. The mean HU-DBI score was 5.3 (out of 12). Females had significantly higher HU-DBI scores than males (p=0.039). Individuals brushing before sleep had significantly high scores (p=0.0001). Females brushed their teeth before sleep more than males (p=0.019). Females preferred medicine first more than males (p=0.019). Statistically significant difference in prefering medicine first was determined in the group of primary school (p=0.012). As level of education increased, usage rate of dental floss increased (p=0.018). Conclusions: Oral health attitude and behavior of the population studied was not satisfactory. Oral health education should be provided for the community

Evaluation of oral health attitude and behavior among a group of dental students in Puducherry, India: A preliminary cross-sectional study.

Context:Oral behavior reflects individual perception on oral health. Behavior and attitude of oral health providers, especially dentists, towards oral health affect their capacity to deliver oral health care services. This attitude plays a important role in determining the oral health condition of population.Aim:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oral health attitude and behavior among a group of dental students in India and to find any gender-based differences in terms of oral health attitude and behavior.Materials and Methods:A total of 282 dental students of Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, SBV University, Puducherry, India participated in the study. A simplified English version of Hiroshima University Dental-Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) was adopted.Statistical Analysis Used:SSP version 2.80 software was used to analyze the data. Chi-square test was used to find the differences in the distribution of “yes” among students from the different academic year as well as between male and female students. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.Results:Statistical significance was observed for the responses between the students from different academic years brushing frequency, careful brushing of teeth, using brush with hard bristles, careful self-evaluation of brushing and satisfied appearance of teeth and gums. Male students preferred to use a tooth brush with hard bristles and regular mouth washes than female students. With regards to worrying about bad breath, male students had more “yes” responses than females.Conclusions:Oral health attitude and behavior increased with the increasing levels of dental education, and no significant differences were observed among male and female dental students.

Gender differences in oral health attitudes and behaviour among Nigerian clinical dental students

Objective: This study aims to use the modified Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) to determine the differences in oral health attitudes and behaviour between male and female clinical dental students at the clinical level in University of Benin.Method: This study included 141 clinical dental students made up of 85 males and 56 females of the University of Benin. Participation was voluntary and all participants remained anonymous. Demographic information was obtained including age, gender and years of study. The duration of study was from February to May 2010.A modified English version of HU-DBI survey which consists of 22 1temswith dichotomous responses (yes-no) was used in this study.Result: Of the total 154 clinical (4th, 5th and 6th years of study) dental students, a total of 141 clinical dental students participated in the study by completing the questionnaire giving a response rate of 91.56%. The age of the students ranged from 18 to 35 years with a mean age of 25.26 + 3.5 years. Statistically significant differences (p &lt;0.05) were found between males and females dental students for items: 2 (I have been to a dentist office before), 14 (I worry about having bad breath), 17 (I eat a lot of refined sugar containing snacks in-between meals) and 19 (I worry about the colour of my teeth).The total mean score between male and female dental students was significant (P&lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The results from this study were in agreement with studies in other countries showing that there are gender differences in some aspects of oral health attitudes and behaviour, and as a matter of fact, improving professional behaviour of the dental students is needed to be improved so as to improve their oral health attitude in order to serve as a positive model for their patients, families and friends.&#x0D;

Oral health attitudes and behavior among a group of female Saudi dental students

Aim: Aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral health attitudes and behavior of female undergraduate dental students in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to age and level of dental education. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima University - Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) was distributed among 351 dental students at Riyadh colleges of dentistry and pharmacy. Results: A response rate of 88% was obtained. The mean HU-DBI score did not show any significant relationship (P < 0.05) with age and academic level dental education by one way-analysis of variance (ANOVA). The students were considerably concerned about the appearance of their teeth and gums and halitosis. The total mean score was not markedly higher in the clinical levels (level 7 to level 12) than in the non-clinical levels (level 1 to level 6), indicating that the students were almost equally aware. The present study showed that dental students in Saudi Arabia had poor oral health awareness. Conclusion: The oral health behavior of Saudi dental students needs to be improved in order to serve as a positive model for their patients and the community.

A comparative study of oral health attitudes and behavior using the Hiroshima University - Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) between dental and civil engineering students in Colombia

The aim of this study was to use the Hiroshima University - Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) to compare oral health attitudes and behavior of dental and civil engineering students in Colombia. The HU-DBI's survey consisting of twenty dichotomous responses (agree-disagree) regarding tooth brushing, was completed at University Antonio Narino for the dental students and the University of Cauca for the civil engineering students. The Spanish version of the HU-DBI questionnaire was taken by 182 of 247 dental students and 411 of 762 engineering students. The data was-statistically analyzed by the chi-square test and backward logistic regression. Compared to the engineering students, the dental students were more likely to agree with questions such as "I am bothered by the color of my gums"(OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.7),"I think I can clean my teeth well without using toothpaste" (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.5-5.9), "I have used a dye to see how clean my teeth are" (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.9-4.3), and "I have had my dentist tell me that I brush very well" (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-3.1). The dental education curriculum in a dental school compared to a civil engineering school in Colombia indicated that a three-phase curriculum in didactics and clinics increased oral health attitudes and behavior from entry to graduation.

Influence of oral health related behavior on oral health of adolescents in Belgrade

Introduction. Adolescence is a period of intensive physical, psychological and emotional changes that might affect existing oral health related habits and result in developing risky behaviors. The aim of the present study was to investigate oral health attitudes and behavior and their relation to dental caries experience in the group of adolescents from Belgrade. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study included 404 high-school students grade one from Belgrade. Two trained and calibrated dentists conducted clinical examination in classrooms to determine oral health status of adolescents (DMFT index and visual signs of gingivitis). Modified Serbian version of Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire with three additional questions was used to collect data on oral health behavior and attitudes. Results. Mean HU-DBI score was 6.22?1.45 for males and 6.28?1.45 for females (p&lt;0.05). Dental visits at least once in a year reported 67.3% adolescents, more often girls (p&lt;0.05). Only emergency dental visits reported 47.1% of adolescents. Majority of respondents reported brushing teeth twice a day or more (86.2%), girls more often than boys (p&lt;0.001). Only 13.4% reported regular flossing and 30.3% daily use of mouth rinses. Mean DMFT score was 5.84?0.20 with 45% of untreated decayed tooth. Unfavorable oral health related attitudes and behavior were related to poorer oral health status of adolescents. Conclusion. Poor oral health of adolescents is influenced by their inadequate attitudes and habits. Program of oral health promotion for adolescents that would target knowledge, attitudes and skills development should be implemented to enhance adolescents? oral self-care regime and oral health outcome.

Effect of culture on oral health attitudes, behaviour and values among the dental students of two dental colleges in Chennai city- a cross sectional study

Objective: To identify similarities and differences in oral health attitudes, behavior and values among 1 st year dental students studying in two dental colleges of Chennai city. Materials & Method: The study was carried out in two dental colleges of Chennai city among 120 first year dental students aged 18-19 years. They were grouped under different zones (north, East, South and West) and those who responded to the self-administered questionnaire were included in the study. An 18 item closed ended questionnaire primarily associated with oral health attitude, behaviour and tooth brushing was used. This questionnaire is a modified version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI). Results: About 64% of the study subjects agreed that they were worried about visiting the dentist; 73.3% of the study subjects were concerned about the color of their teeth; the students from south and north were more concerned compared to the people from east. Significant differences (p<0.05) were seen among students of different zones regarding not worrying much about visiting the dentist, about bleeding gums while brushing, worrying about having a bad breath and the thought that it was impossible to prevent gum disease with tooth brushing alone. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences in the oral health attitude/behavior were recorded among 120 first year dental students from the two dental colleges in Chennai city yielding plausible results, using the HU-DBI. Oral health education needs to be provided in those areas where there are deficits in knowledge.

Self Reported Dental Health Attitudes and Behaviour of Dental Students in Turkey

The aim of this study was to compare the differences in self-reported oral health attitudes and behaviour between preclinical and clinical dental students in Turkey using Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI). A Turkish version HU-DBI questionnaire with additional 7 questions, totally 27 items, was distributed among 1022 dental students. The response rate was 75% (486 preclinical and 278 clinical students). Significantly higher (P=0.000) percentage of the preclinical students, compared to clinical students, worry about colour of their teeth, are bothered by the colour of their gums, put off going to the dentist until they have a toothache; think that their teeth are getting worse despite their daily brushing, it is impossible to prevent gum disease with tooth brushing alone, and they cannot help having false teeth when they are old. Moreover, the preclinical students more frequently agree on that their gums tend to bleed when they brush their teeth, they use a toothbrush which has hard bristles, and they don't feel they've brushed well unless with strong strokes (P=0.000). However, a higher proportion of clinical students compared to preclinical students brush each of their teeth carefully, think that they can clean their teeth without using toothpaste, have had their dentist tell them that they brush very well (P=0.000). The HU-DBI score of clinical students (7.47±1.86) was significantly (P=0.000) higher than preclinical students (6.00±1.86). Dental students should have a comprehensive program, including their self-care regimes, starting from their first year of education.

Reprodutibilidade da Versão Portuguesa Do Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HUDBI - versão portuguesa). Diferenças nas atitudes e comportamentos entre estudantes do 1° e 3° ano do curso de Higiene Oral

Objectives The purposes of this study were: 1) to analyze the reproducibility of the Portuguese version of Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory for the screening of information about oral health attitudes and behaviors in Portuguese students; and 2) investigate possible behavioral differences between first and third year dental hygiene students. Methods 75 university students, ages between 18 to 34 years old, volunteered to participate. Translation and back translation were made by two bilingual teachers with English as their original language and by experts in oral health sciences. Measures of association were used to quantify the strength and nature of the relationships within variables Φ (“ Phi” coefficient) and between the variables and the interval value obtained in the whole inventory (“ Eta” coefficient). To test validity and reproducibility, the inventory was repeated two times with 23 days of interval and weighed Kappa statistics were calculated. Results The coefficients “ Eta” (0.402-0.751) showed moderate and strong dependency of HUDBI scores on the majority of the inventory items. On the other hand, coefficients Φ (“ Phi” coefficient) (0,225-0,512) showed week to moderate association between items, demonstrating the quantity of independent variables of the inventory. The strong and ideal concordances obtained by Kappa statistics (0,667-1) demonstrate that the instrument is reliable. Conclusions The Portuguese version of the inventory may be considered as a valid and reliable instrument to measure behaviors and attitudes towards oral health in Portuguese university students.

Oral Health Attitudes and Behavior among a Group of Dental Students in Bangalore, India

To evaluate self-reported oral health attitudes and behavior among a group of dental students in Bangalore, India and to compare the oral health attitudes of students of different years of dental school. A self-administered questionnaire based on a modified version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) was administered to 250 dental students. Significant differences (P<.05) were observed among students of different years in the degree of worrying about the color of the teeth, not having been to the dentist before and brushing each tooth carefully. Strongly significant differences (P<.001) were observed among students of different years in brushing the teeth twice daily, being satisfied with the appearance of the teeth, cleaning the teeth well without toothpaste, visiting dentist only when having a toothache, taking too much time to brush their teeth, worrying about having bad breath and using mouth rinse on a regular basis. Among dental students, the overall knowledge of oral health was good, even though there were deficits in knowledge in a few areas. The oral health attitudes and behavior of dental students improved with increasing levels of education.

Oral Health Attitudes and Behavior among a Group of Turkish Dental Students

The purpose of this study was to evaluate self-reported oral health attitude and behavior among a group of Turkish dental students and to compare differences in oral health attitudes between years of study and gender. This study included 267 (153 female, 114 male) dental students. A modified English version of Hiroshima University Dental-Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) which consists of twenty-eight dichotomous responses (yes-no) was used. Totally 141 preclinical (1, 2 and 3(rd) years of study) and 126 clinical students (4 and 5(th) years of study) who were mean age of 21.16 participated in the study. Statistically significant differences were found between years of study for brushing each of teeth carefully, cleaning the teeth well without using toothpaste, using a toothbrush which has hard bristles and for having had their dentist tell that they brush very well. There were statistically significant differences between females and males for using a toothbrush which has hard bristles and using tooth floss regularly. Statistically significant differences were found for brushing each of the teeth carefully and using mouth wash on regular basis between smokers and non-smokers. This study confirmed that oral and dental health behavior and attitudes and also their knowledge about oral and dental health care of dental students improved with increasing level of education while oral and dental health care of female students were better than males and oral and dental health care of non-smokers were better than smokers.

Self reported dental health attitude and behavior of dental students in India

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral health attitudes and behavior of undergraduate dental students in India according to age, sex and level of dental education, and to compare it with those of other countries with different socioeconomic conditions. A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima University - Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) was distributed among 372 dental students at Darshan Dental College and Hospital (DDCH). The response rate was 75.8% with 44% males and 56% females. The mean HU-DBI score showed a significant relationship (P < 0.05) with age by one way-analysis of variance (ANOVA). The students were considerably concerned about the appearance of their teeth and gums and halitosis. The total mean score was not markedly higher in the clinical years (years 3 and 4) than in the non-clinical years (years 1 and 2), indicating that the students were almost equally aware. Although there were no statistically significant differences in gender and academic year for the mean score of HU-DBI, the present study showed that dental students in India generally had poorer oral health awareness compared to several other countries. The oral health behavior of Indian dental students has to be improved in order to serve as a positive model for their patients, family, and friends.