Methods: Study was conducted at diabetes management centre, services hospital Lahore. Study included 1350 type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Pregnant women, physically and mentally handicapped patients were excluded. A self administered questionnaire was used in the study.
Results: Mean age recorded was 51±9.73. Females were 67.4%. Patients having education till high school (secondary) level were 62.1%, whereas only 37.9% had completed their education till bachelors or masters. Patients having higher education level had more knowledge of dental problems (p<0.05). Insignificant difference in decayed and missing teeth was observed in both the categories; however patients having better educational level had slightly better oral hygiene but the difference was not significant. In both the groups, significant difference (p<0.01 in lesser educated group) and (p<0.05 in higher educated group) was found between self rated oral hygiene status and the clinician's assessed oral hygiene status. Lower educational level was found to be associated with low income groups (p<0.001), however higher educational level was not significantly related with higher income groups (p>0.092). Seeking dental treatment and better oral hygiene practices were significantly associated with high income(p<0.001), high educational level (p<0.05)and being a house wife (P<0.05). Conclusion: It implies that financial conditions play a dominating role over one's educational level in seeking dental treatment and maintaining oral health care