1Post Graduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
2Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
*Corresponding author: Dr. S.G. Sudarssan 1Post Graduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India E-mail: dentistsudarssan@gmail.com Phone number: +91 9629691338
Online published on 26 September, 2019.
Myths related to oral ailments and dental health care practices are very common in Indian society and it is strenuous to break this chain as these myths are deep rooted in the society. This study assesses the prevalence of myths and misconceptions about dental extraction among the outpatients of a private dental college hospital, the analysis of which provides an indirect measure of the knowledge, attitude and health seeking behavior of the community.
A cross-sectional study was conducted by the out-patients attending dental institute, in Chennai city. A total of 200 individuals were included, data were collected using a pretested and validated two-part questionnaire including demographic data, questions regarding dental myth. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square test.
Based on gender among the participants of the survey, females were more believers of the myth and misconceptions (P < 0.05). Based on socioeconomic status, prevalence of the myths and misconceptions about dental extractions were high among lower class category (P < 0.05).
Almost all the participants believed in one or more myth pertaining to dental extractions.
Myths, dental, tooth extraction, misconception, oral health, gender, socio economic status
