Evaluation of oral-hygiene awareness and practice among dental students

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare oral-health knowledge, attitudes, and self-care practice behaviors among dental students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared regarding oral-health attitudes and behaviors. The survey was carried out at Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore. Three hundred sixty-seven questionnaires were responded by the dental students (208 clinical and 159 preclinical students). The data were tabulated and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v.17.0. Chi-square tests were also used. Results: A more significant knowledge ( P < 0.001) of oral-hygiene procedures are noticed in clinical students than in preclinical students. The responses varied mainly regarding the type of brush they are using, the brushing technique, motivating people to consult a dentist (clinical — 95.2%, preclinical—78%), and educate people about oral hygiene procedures (clinical — 98.6%, preclinical — 80.5%). oral hygiene practices in different genders were not included in the present study. Conclusion: The outcome of the study is that there is an appreciably high level of knowledge about oral self-care procedures in clinical students than in preclinical undergraduate dental students. There is a need to educate the undergraduate dental students on oral care procedures as soon as they join the BDS course.