Do medical and paramedical students have a better awareness regarding oral health practices and orthodontic treatment? A KAP study

Abstract

oral health is the most important for the wellbeing of the patient. But it is being neglected in the developing and the underdeveloped countries and malocclusion being the third most commonly occurring dental anomaly. Medical and paramedical students have been found to be the point of contact the community on a large scale. Hence, the present study was carried out to evaluate the awareness regarding oral health and orthodontic treratment in KIMS College. A validated self-administered questionnaire, pertaining to demographic data, awareness of oral health knowledge regarding orthodontics as a specialty were included. A total of 42 questions included in the study. The answers from the students were recorded as Yes or No on a 2-point Likert scale.Significantly higher proportions (70.7%) of the dental students were aware of the oral health practices, Orthodontic treatment and the purpose of orthodontic treatment followed by the, medical students. Female students opined with a greater frequency (70.8%) that irregular teeth have a negative impact on self-esteem and quality of life compared to male students. The Dental students have more knowledge than the health care workers on awareness of oral health practices regarding the use of mouthwashes, flossing technique etc. and also regarding the orthodontic treatment and its importance.