Comparison Of Attitude & Awareness Among Health Care & Non Health Care Professionals For Periodontal Health

Abstract

Background:- oral diseases have a definite effect on the overall systemic health; hence the health care professional  plays a more active role in educating their patients about the role of oral diseases in their overall health .people demonstrate a wide variety of attitudes towards  dental care & dentists. These attitudes naturally reflect their own experiences, cultural perceptions, familial beliefs, other life situations and this strongly influences their behavior towards oral health

Materials & methods: - the data pertaining to their knowledge, attitude and practice about oral health was gathered using a self administered questionnaire containing 13 questions. The questions were divided into those which assessed the knowledge of oral diseases, measures to maintain their oral hygiene and their attitude towards oral health. The questionnaire was distributed among 800 subjects within the age range of 17-25yrs. Of these 402 were health care professionals & 398 were   non health care professionals.

Results: - professional people were more concerned about their lifestyle. So according to result, health care professional group (76% ) had no habits, most of the people were taking mixed diet and using both sides for mastication. So severity of problems like bleeding gums, foul breath, sensitivity to cold/hot, loose teeth, swollen gums were less in professional than non-professional

Conclusion: - there is a need to create an awareness among non –health care professionals. Attempts should be made to create an awareness among general population about the importance of oral hygeine ,in order to decrease the incidence of oral diseases.