Patients' Attitude towards their Own Oral Health

Objective: to study some factors that might contribute to patients' attitude towards their own oral health. Method: a questionnaire written in Arabic distributed to patients to answer. Same questionnaire distributed to dentists to estimate the most common professional answers to the same questions. Results: 54 questionnaires were received from the patients (average age 34.25 years, 63% males, 37% females), while 51 questionnaires were received from the dentists. More than 64% of patients indicated that, in general normal conditions, tooth decay, gum disease and loss of teeth is the responsibility of the patient, while more than 86% of the dentists indicated the same. 65% of the patients indicated that, in general, dental and gingival diseases can be prevented by professional care by the dentist, while 61% of the dentists indicated that these diseases can be prevented by home care. 57% of the patients indicated that the best way to take care of oral health is a routine check up at the dental office and scaling every 6 months (61%), while 59% of the dentists indicated that the best way is daily home care and scaling should be done whenever the dentist recommends it (55%). 68% of the patients indicated that fixed prosthodontics should be recommended when they need it, while 57% of the dentists indicated that such service should be recommended when patients can maintain good oral hygiene. Conclusion: Previous results might indicate that patients are aware of their responsibility towards their own oral health but their demand for more involvement by the dentist might indicate their lack of self confidence. Some inconsistency among dentists in their professional management might contribute to this demand. It is recommended that patients should be aware of the difference between what they demand and what the dentist thinks they need.