Oral health assessment among allied health science students –A cross sectional study

Abstract

Aims and background

There is overwhelming evidence that periodontal disease and dental caries affect the majority of population’s especially young adults. Hence this study was taken to assess the oral health status of allied health science students using case history and oral indexes.

Methodology

In the study a total of 134 allied health science student’s oral health was assessed using a detailed case history followed by, Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and Angles classification were assessed.

Results

Total of 134 allied health science students were included in study of which 84 (62.68%) were females and 50 (37.31%) were male. The mean DMFT index was 5.58. Males had higher DMFT index than females and this difference was statistically significant. ( P value- 0.046)

Discussion

Our study showed that almost all students brushed twice daily -91.76% probably as oral health education is given to all students entering allied health science stream at our university.

Conclusion

There should be more awareness sessions conducted so that they realize how important oral health is to their overall health.