The Effect of Dentistry Education on Oral Health Behavior

Method: Students were surveyed in Yeditepe University, Faculty of Dentistry during 2012-2013 academic years. The numbers of evaluated students were 253 with a response rate of 90%. In this research, the Turkish version of “Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory” (HU-DBI) was used. The oral health attitude/behavior scores were evaluated between 0 to 12 points. Statistical evaluation is done by chi-square test, and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05

Results: The mean score for oral care attitude/behavior of the all students were 6.83± 1.44. The mean value of HU-DBI score for females were statistically higher than males (Female, 7.00; male 6.62; p<0.05). Males worried less about visiting dentist (p<0.01). They were also in opinion that they will not prevent the use of dentures when they get old (p<0.01). The floss use ratio of the males was statistically lower than females (p<0.01). The mean score of HU-DBI according to classes was found as follows; 6.21±1.56; 6.98±1.30; 7.14±1.56; 6.87±1.41; 6.85±1.31(for 1^st , 2^nd, 3^th , 4^th,5^th classes respectively). There was a statistically significant difference among classes (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The mean HU-DBI score for the dental students was 6.83. Females had better oral health attitudes and behaviors than males. First year students had less oral health attitude scores. Reason for this might be the curriculum of previous schools were not sufficiently included oral health knowledge. Dentistry education influenced the students to be more conscious on their oral health. The high score results of the 3rdclass students might be related with the curriculum which is designed according to ADEE system. Therefore it can be related that the change of curriculum  has a positive effect on oral health behavior.