Comparison of oral health behaviour between dental and non-dental undergraduates in a university in southwestern China——exploring the future priority for oral health education

Abstract

Background Based on a national survey in 2015, people’s oral health behaviour (OHB) has not kept up with the pace of knowledge and attitudes in China after decades of oral health education (OHE). Thus, we need to improve OHE to strengthen people’s OHB. Undergraduates are regarded as the best candidates for the improvement of OHE. The objective of this study is to determine undergraduates’ oral health status and existing problems in OHB by comparing dental and non-dental students at Sichuan University. We hope to provide some suggestions for future OHE to improve people’s OHB. Methods A quasi-experimental study designed with a pre-test and post-test group was conducted. A total of 217 dental students and 135 non-dental students were enrolled. They were administered an OHE course focused on OHB. A survey about oral health behaviour and knowledge was conducted before and after the course. Results According to the pre-course survey, dental students surpassed non-dental students in terms of toothbrushing frequency, method, and time, but unfortunately, flossing was overlooked by all the students. After the course, both dental and non-dental students showed strong willingness to improve their OHB. More non-dental students than dental students were willing to use toothpicks and Chinese herbal toothpaste before and after the course. Conclusions OHE focused on behaviour has a positive effect on university students. Future OHE and interventions should focus on flossing, toothbrushing methods, toothpicks, Chinese herbal toothpaste and modifications to adopt new media.

Comparison of Oral Hygiene Practices between Dental, Medical and Allied Health Sciences Undergraduate Students of Lahore

“…Interproximal cleaning practices were surprisingly ignored by all three groups and were mostly limited to only when food was stuck between teeth or when there was another similar need. This finding is consistent with the study conducted in China 12 . Gingivitis and plaque is reduced more effectively by flossing and brushing [13] .…”

The effects of oral health education regarding periodontal health on non-dental undergraduates in southwestern China—exploring the feasibility of an e-learning course for oral health promotion

“…The course was designed based on the aetiology of periodontal diseases. Given their similar primary-, junior- and high-school educational backgrounds, dental and non-dental undergraduates in a Chinese university have similar general knowledge and conceptions [ 17 ]. It is possible for non-dental students to attend a similar course to one that dental students attend.…”

“…Non-dental students were still less likely to use floss, indicating that more emphasis should be placed on the importance of this behaviour. The frequency of toothpick use increased among non-dental students after both the traditional and e-learning course, which indicated that OHE-PH on reducing the use of toothpicks should be strengthened to avoid periodontal injury [ 17 ]. Interestingly, non-dental students attending the e-learning course had a more positive attitude towards using floss and interproximal brushes than those taking the traditional course, demonstrating that the e-learning course can improve oral self-reported behaviours for oral care.…”

“…OHE is effective in improving knowledge and attitudes regarding oral diseases [ 10 – 14 ], thus contributing to disease prevention [ 15 ]. However, periodontal health knowledge and positive attitudes were unsatisfactory among Chinese adults [ 16 , 17 ] despite the development of OHE during the past 30 years [ 16 ], for which there are many possible reasons. In China, OHE is mainly provided by dentists or specialists in Preventive Dentistry.…”

“…OHE should be provided for more people, including adults, especially undergraduates. It has been reported that non-dental undergraduates had poor oral health knowledge [ 17 , 19 ], and they will someday be parents and thus responsible for providing oral health instructions to their children. Furthermore, it is relatively feasible to provide OHE for university students through the established curriculum structure.…”