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Indian Journal of Dental Education

Volume  5, Issue 3, July - September 2012, Pages 155-160
 

Review Article

Knowledge and attitude on infant oral health among graduating medical students in Bangalore city, India

Padma K. Bhat, M.D.S., Bhumika K. Badiyani, M.D.S.

*Professor and Head of Department of Public Health Dentistry, Rajarajeshwari Dental College And Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. **Second Year Postgraduate Student [M.D.S] in Public Health Dentistry, Rajarajeshwari Dental College and Hospital,

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Abstract

Primary care providers’ involvement in infant oral health is an essential public health priority and initiatives should begin in early childhood. This study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of graduating Medical students towards infant oral health and to propose ways to improve oral health education in the Medical curriculum. A cross- sectional survey was conducted among 359 graduating Medical students belonging to 8 (all) Medical colleges in Bangalore city, India. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 21 questions divided into four domains assessing Infant Dental Anatomy, Early childhood caries, Fluorides, and Preventive strategies were distributed among participants included in the study. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 12 and data was subjected to student –t test . The average knowledge percentage score was 56.7% and average attitude percentage score was 42.9%. 66.66% of students were aware that First tooth erupts at 6 and half months after birth. Only 60.7% knew that problems with deciduous teeth will affect permanent teeth and 65.2% knew that first dental visit should be from 6 months to 1 year. This study has identified several factors that need consideration in the future exploration and development of knowledge and attitude on infant oral health care among graduating Medical students.

Key words: Knowledge and attitude; Infant oral health; Graduating medical students.


Corresponding Author : Padma K. Bhat