Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene among Medical Students Islamabad Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the awareness, attitudes and
practices on oral hygiene and dental caries among medical students studying at

Rawal Medical and Dental College, Islamabad. It was a descriptive cross-
sectional study carried out at Rawal Medical and Dental College, Islamabad in a

time period of four months i.e. from 1st January 2018 to 30th April 2018 by using
convenient sampling technique. 350 students of MBBS (1st to 5th year) of Rawal

Medical and Dental College were enrolled in this research study. A total fourteen-
item close-ended questionnaire, consisting of 4 items for knowledge about dental

caries (including sugar, bacteria, not brushing causes caries, benefits of fluoride on
dental health), 5 for each attitude and practice (including visit on dental clinic for
dental checkup, and frequency of brushing, toothpaste type, brushing time,
brushing methods and materials). The results of this study revealed that out of 330
medical students, 185 were female and 145 were male. Male students had
significantly greater awareness about dental caries (p<0.05). Majority of these
medical students (46%) had tendency of visiting once in year for dental checkup.
The maximum number of medical students had once per day (60%) brushing
routine in early morning (54.2%) with toothpaste (52%) containing fluoride
content. The knowledge on dental caries was found as significantly associated
with the use of fluoridated dentifrice, brushing practices, brushing methods and
brushing materials (p<0.05). The current study concluded that awareness and
practice status of dental caries and oral hygiene in students of medical profession
was found to be satisfactory. However further oral health education programs must
be carried out for the control and prevention of oral ailments and better dental
hygiene among the dental students.