Dental students’ oral health‐related quality of life and temporomandibular dysfunction‐self‐rating versus clinical assessment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare dental students’ self‐perception of oral health with the results of a clinical examination of the masticatory system. Seventy‐four dental students (38 (51.4%) females and 36 (48.6%) males) completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP‐G‐14) and underwent a clinical examination according to the Graz Dysfunction Index (GDI). Data were analyzed with descriptive and comparative statistics. Median OHIP‐G‐14 scores were 3 (IQR 0–6) in the total collective, 4 (1–11) in females, and 2 (0–4) in males (p = 0.072). A score of 0 was found in 29.7% of the sample. The results of the GDI were 50% “normal function”, 43.2% “adaptation”, 5.4% “compensation”, and 1.4% “dysfunction”. The comparison of OHIP‐G‐14 scores and DGI groups showed a significant difference (p = 0.031). Based on the questionnaire, less than one third of the sample indicated maximum oral health‐related quality of life. In contrast, the GDI revealed “normal function” or “adaptation” in 93.2%. Dental students underappreciated their oral health condition. Health assessments should not be solely questionnaire‐based, especially in health professionals (‐to‐be). To establish a valid diagnosis of the state of health, self‐assessment must be complemented by an objective clinical examination, e.g., GDI.