Oral health attitude and behavior in a group of dental students

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine and health attitudes/behavior of Romanian dental students (n = 110). Materials and methods. A questionnaire known as HU-DBI (Romanian version) was administered to 110 students in the last year of studies. In the same time was evaluated the prevalence of dental caries and some correspondence between the HU-DBI index and oral health status for every student. The questionnaire was administered after their written informed consent. Dental caries status was evaluated using the world health Organization (WHO) caries diagnostic criteria for decayed, missing and filled teeth and surfaces (DMF-T and DMF-S, respectively). Data were statistically analyzed. Results. The prevalence of dental caries was 60% only 6.7% (8 students) had DMF-T = 0. The mean DMF-T recorded was 7.3 (± 0.35). When relating the different DMF values to the HU-DBI responses, a statistically significant relation was found between seven items and DMF scores of their components and indices. The HU-DBI score ranged from 6 to 12 (mean 9.8). Low DS and DT values significantly correlated with a high total HU-DBI score (p < 0.05); that is subjects with low levels of dental disease had more positive oral health attitudes and behavior. Conclusions. The positive attitude of dental students towards the care of their own teeth and gums is important in determining the oral health conditions of their patients. In passing through the curricles the dental students should be able to set a personal example in oral health.