Assessment Of Preventive Dental Care Among Dental Students In India: A Knowledge, Attitude, And Education Study

Abstract

Aim: Knowledge and oral health behavior of dental students plays an important role in oral health education of patients and community at large. It is therefore important that their own oral health behavior conforms to expectations of the population. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral health knowledge, attitude, and education among dental students. Materials and Methods: In the present study an online survey was distributed to 1500 dental students from eight dental colleges in India The participants were divided into two groups – final years and interns. Data collected was statistically analyzed Kruskal-Wallis test was used for intergroup comparison and Mann-Whitney test was used for intragroup comparison. Result: There was no statistical difference in knowledge between both groups, though a statistically significant difference was seen between the groups for attitude and practice Conclusion: The results of our study show that students who participated in the study have good knowledge about the preventive dental treatment. However they should be encouraged to practice what they have learnt and encouraged to do more preventive treatment along with curative treatment.