A Comparative Evaluation of Self-Reported Oral Health Behaviour and Practices among Selected Dental and Non-Medico Undergraduates in Guwahati, Assam Haloi Enakshi1, Haloi Ramen2,*, Navin Ingle3, Yashmin Syeda Shabana4, Borkakati Munmi4, Sangma Jamie T.4 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 Aims and Objectives To compare and evaluate the self-reported oral health behaviour and practices among selected dental and non-medico undergraduates in Guwahati, Assam. Materials and Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion Dental college students reported better attitudes to oral health behaviour than students of S.B. Deorah College. Top Keywords Oral health, Oral hygiene, Oral health promotion, Dental and non-medical students, Oral Health Behaviour, Oral Health Practices, Assam. Top |