Role of dentists and senior dental students in nutrition counseling: perceptions and practice

Abstract

AbstractBackground:Inadequate nutrition can affect oral health, including periodontitis and caries. Compromised oral health can also alter food choices and negatively lead to poor nutritional status. Therefore, current and future dentists should not neglect the nutritional issues of patients.This study aimed to assess the perceptions and practice of general dentists and dental students regarding nutrition counseling.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was used which included four parts of demographic information, 9 questions regarding knowledge, 6 questions regarding attitude, and 10 questions regarding practice with respect to nutrition counseling. The questionnaires were administered among senior students and dentists in Yazd. Data were analyzed by the Chi-square test and t-test (alpha=0.05).Results:98 (71%) dentists and 40 (29%) students participate. The mean knowledge score was 7.12±1.75 in dentists and 6.48±1.2 in students out of 9. The mean knowledge score of dentists was significantly higher than students (P=0.03). Mean practice score of dentists and senior students were 3.26± 2.43 and 3.20± 1.82 out of 10, respectively. No significant difference was found in mean practice score of two groups (P=0.879).Conclusions:The knowledge level of both groups was acceptable but the quality of practice was poor in dentists and students.