Journal of Orofacial & Health Sciences
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue: 3

A Comparative Evaluation of Self-Reported Oral Health Behaviour and Practices among Selected Dental and Non-Medico Undergraduates in Guwahati, Assam

  • Author:
  • Enakshi Haloi1, Ramen Haloi2,, Ingle Navin3, Syeda Shabana Yashmin4, Munmi Borkakati4, Jamie T. Sangma4
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Page Number: 140 to 144

1Resident, Dhirenpara Maternity Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India

2Tutor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Regional Dental College, Guwahati-781032, Assam, India

3Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kanti Devi Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

4Tutor, PRCA, Regional Dental College, Guwahati, Assam, India

*Address for correspondence: Ramen Haloi, Email id: drramenhaloi@gmail.com

Online published on 22 March, 2016.

Abstract

To compare and evaluate the self-reported oral health behaviour and practices among selected dental and non-medico undergraduates in Guwahati, Assam.

The study was conducted using 200 students each from the dental and nonmedical College who had easy access to the dental college which provides health-promotive dental care to all its patients. A self-administered structured close-ended questionnaire consisting of questions on demographic data, oral hygiene knowledge and practices, and dental service utilisation patterns was distributed among the students. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 17.

In our study, there was a difference in opinion regarding the use and choice of dentifrices/toothbrush between dental and non-medical students. While statistically significant results were seen when the two groups were compared for their knowledge of fluoridated toothpaste, there was a significant difference in usage of fluoridated toothpaste between the two groups.

Dental college students reported better attitudes to oral health behaviour than students of S.B. Deorah College.

Keywords

Oral health, Oral hygiene, Oral health promotion, Dental and non-medical students, Oral Health Behaviour, Oral Health Practices, Assam