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 knowledge and attitudes in China have greatly improved after decades of oral health education (OHE). However, dental caries and periodontal disease are still serious oral problems. People’s oral health behaviour has not kept up with the pace of knowledge and attitudes. The objective of this study was to determine undergraduates’ oral health behaviour status and existing problems by comparing dental students and non-dental students at Sichuan University. We hope to provide some suggestions for future OHE.Methods: A quasi-experimental study designed with a pre-test and a post-test group was conducted. A total of 217 dental students and 135 non-dental students were enrolled. They were given a course of OHE focused on oral health behaviour. 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, time and flossing. Unfortunately, flossing was overlooked by all the students. After the course, both dental and non-dental students showed strong willingness to improve their oral health behaviour. More non-dental students than dental students were willing to use toothpicks and Chinese herbal toothpaste before and after the course.Conclusion: OHE focused on behaviour plays a positive role for university students. Future OHE and interventions should focus on flossing, toothbrushing methods, toothpicks, Chinese herbal toothpaste and modifications to adopt new media.