IADR Abstract Archives
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Science Students on Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease
Objectives: The study determined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a sample of health science students from the University of the Philippines Manila toward dental caries and periodontal disease and associated systemic conditions.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional research design with stratified random sampling, a self-administered questionnaire for knowledge, attitutude, and practices was given to 218 graduating students enrolled in various health professional courses.
Results: Among the participants, 86.32% associated dental caries with presence of pain; 43.6% believed that untreated decay will result in the tooth being exfoliated; 88.5% were aware of the primary indicator for gingivitis but could not differentiate gingivitis from periodontitis; and 31.2% claimed that they were not aware of periodontits. Systemic conditions that participants associated with dental caries were oral cancers ( 85.7%) and diabetes (73.8%), and those they associated with periodontitis were oral cancers (48.6%) and Diabetes Mellitus (18.8%). 46.3% claimed they were unaware of any relationship between periodontitis and systemic health. Majority were aware and practiced regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. 68.8% believed that their overall systemic health was influenced by their oral health. Most identified their dentist, the internet and other media as sources of information on oral health. Only 28.8% claimed that oral health information was acquired from a course in school.
Conclusions: Dental caries seemed to be a clearer concept than periodontal disease, and the association between oral health and systemic conditions was not established. The educational institution was not a frequent source of oral health information. These results may provide insights for strengthening the foundation of basic oral health concepts through curriculum enhancement, as it is necessary that health professionals include oral health as part of patient education. Since the University aims to produce professionals empowered to educate and advocate change, basic oral health concept should be incorporated in the educational process.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional research design with stratified random sampling, a self-administered questionnaire for knowledge, attitutude, and practices was given to 218 graduating students enrolled in various health professional courses.
Results: Among the participants, 86.32% associated dental caries with presence of pain; 43.6% believed that untreated decay will result in the tooth being exfoliated; 88.5% were aware of the primary indicator for gingivitis but could not differentiate gingivitis from periodontitis; and 31.2% claimed that they were not aware of periodontits. Systemic conditions that participants associated with dental caries were oral cancers ( 85.7%) and diabetes (73.8%), and those they associated with periodontitis were oral cancers (48.6%) and Diabetes Mellitus (18.8%). 46.3% claimed they were unaware of any relationship between periodontitis and systemic health. Majority were aware and practiced regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. 68.8% believed that their overall systemic health was influenced by their oral health. Most identified their dentist, the internet and other media as sources of information on oral health. Only 28.8% claimed that oral health information was acquired from a course in school.
Conclusions: Dental caries seemed to be a clearer concept than periodontal disease, and the association between oral health and systemic conditions was not established. The educational institution was not a frequent source of oral health information. These results may provide insights for strengthening the foundation of basic oral health concepts through curriculum enhancement, as it is necessary that health professionals include oral health as part of patient education. Since the University aims to produce professionals empowered to educate and advocate change, basic oral health concept should be incorporated in the educational process.