Oral health assessment among dental students

Abstract

Introduction. Oral health is an important part of general health. Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes that students acquire during dental school can influence their behavior towards not just their own health, but also towards health in their immediate environment. The aim of the study was to assess the level of oral health among dental students of the second and fifth year at the University of East Sarajevo. Material and Methods. Sixty-six students from the Dental Department of the Faculty of Medicine, the University of East Sarajevo were assessed. The study was conducted in 2012. The parameters used to assess oral health were: DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index and its components, index for the assessment of periodontal tissues (CPITN), and Green’s Vermillion oral hygiene debris index (DI). According to the methodology and criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) all patients were examined using standard dental diagnostic tools under artificial light on dental chair. Results. Average number of decayed teeth of the second year students was 9.93 while it was 11.44 in the fifth year students. The mean dental caries index was 38.23% and person caries index was 100%. The average value of the debris index was 0.42. Healthy periodontium had 18.2% of students, while in 34.8% of students shallow periodontal pockets were observed. Conclusion. Oral hygiene and periodontal health was satisfactory in dental students. However, high average values of decayed teeth indicated that for better results caries preventive services should be activated earlier, even in school or preschool period

Assessment of oral health behaviour and knowledge among dental and engineering undergraduate students

“…If the dental student maintains good oral health behavior, it will lead them to be a positive role model for their friends, patients and family members (Khami et al, 2007). In the modern world, oral health care plays a major role to prevent oral disease by providing expensive treatment (Davidović et al, 2012). Providing knowledge about oral hygiene to a patient by a dental student creates a strong positive in luence on the patient, which makes them move towards better oral health maintenance (Agrawal, 2017).…”

Students' Behavior Related to Oral Health

“…Oral health significantly affects the quality of life. The presence of oral disease reduces the feeling of self-esteem, affect the diet, as well as the ability to communicate and the overall health both in childhood and in the elderly [1]. Today, aesthetic role of teeth is also very important.…”