Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the impact of periodontal courses on dental student's oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice.
Methods: A269 undergraduate dental students from the college of dentistry, King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh, were recruited into this cross-sectional study. A multiple-choice questions questionnaire was distributed among the participant. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the categorical variables. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare the responses of categorical variables between the subjects who had (group A) and who did not (group B) expose to periodontal course. Level of statistical significance was set at P <= 0.05.
Results: (68.3%) of group A have responded positively (as 'yes) the periodontal courses influenced their daily self-care practices and (66.5%) said that it added to their oral hygiene knowledge which is statistically significant (p=0.001; p=0.018). A highly statistical significant difference was noticed between the groups in basic knowledge of oral health (p<0.0001). Where (78.35%, 84.5% and 76%) of group B have failed to choose the right brushing technique for 3 different oral conditions where (89.5%, 75% and 55.2%) of group A have chosen the correct answers. Also, 86.4% of group B have chosen 'caries' as primary risk factor for periodontal diseases and 90.9% of group A have chosen 'plaque' However, no statistically significant difference was observed practice component between the two groups.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there were significant differences in oral health knowledge and attitude among students who had and who did not expose to periodontal course.