A comparitive study of oral health awareness among first year medical and dental students in Lahore, Pakistan.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess and compare differences in oral health awareness among first year medical and dental students in Lahore city of Pakistan.
Methods: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted using a self‑structured questionnaire. It consisted of oral health related questions with options on Likert scale. A total of 36 first year medical students and 36 first year dental students of the two private sector undergraduate colleges in Lahore, Pakistan were surveyed who had spent atleast six months in their respective undergraduate training. The mean percentage scores, standard deviation, and frequency distribution were calculated. The data was collected, compiled, and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: The mean percentage score for oral health awareness were significantly higher in first year dental students as compared to first year medical students (p<0.001). Only 16% of the undergraduate medical students were found to have good oral health awareness, 44% were found to have fair and 40% were found to have poor oral health awareness. First year undergraduate dental students were found to have better oral health awareness when compared to first year medical students(P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The results indicate that a substantial proportion of undergraduate medical students show poor oral health awareness and first year dental students were found to have better knowledge compared to first year medical students.Undergraduate medical students' awareness toward oral health and dental care need to be improved for which comprehensive oral health educational programs may be helpful.