Oral health: How much do you know? – A study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of patients visiting a North Indian Dental School

Abstract

Background: Oral health has often been underestimated in regard to a healthy life style. The behaviour of people is even more commonly found in India where education level among people and the cultural values varies at every few miles.

Aim: This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviour among patients visiting the outpatient department of Gian Sagar Dental College & hospital, Rajpura.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 642 subjects who visited the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital. A self-constructed questionnaire was given to each of the participant. Responses from the subjects were calculated in terms of numbers and percentages.

Result: 306 (48%) of the subjects had never visited a dentist before. 304 (47%) of the subjects still prefer other cleaning aids over toothbrush. 207(32%) subjects were of the view that dental health has no effect on general health whereas 219 (34%) subjects were of the opinion that tooth loss is a natural sequel of aging process.

Conclusion: There is a dearth of knowledge and careless attitude among people in regard to dental health. People need to be motivated and their concepts regarding importance of dental health should be made clear through various campaigns and personal counselling.

Keywords: Knowledge, Oral Health, Patients, Dental School