Knowledge, Attitude And Behavior Towards Preventive Dentistry Among Health Care Students In Dhule City

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Dental student’s knowledge, attitude and behavior towards prevention are important, since they have exceptionally important roles in influencing their patient’s ability to take care of their teeth. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitude and behavior of health care professional students towards preventive dentistry in Dhule city. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A cross‑sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students of Dental, Medical, Pharmacy, Ayurvedic and Nursing faculty in Dhule city.A total of 299 students (93 dental students, 90 medical students, 54 ayurvedic students, 37 pharmacy students and 25 nursing students)were individually asked to complete apretested ques‑ tionnaire. The questionnaire requested information on student’s demographic and professional characteristics and their knowledge, attitude and behavior towards preventive dental care.Chi‑square test was used to analyzethe data. RESULTS:The knowledge regarding preventive dentistry was highest among dental students (83% having good knowl‑ edge) with Ayurvedic(BAMS) undergraduate students having least knowledge (59% showing poor knowledge). Attitude and behavior towards preventive dentistry was favorable among all health care professional students (66% showing good attitude and 60% showing favorable behavior). CONCLUSION:The findings of this study have shown that the participants had conducive oral health behavior, sufficient knowledgeand positive attitude and had positive beliefs regarding dental treatment.