Oral health related behaviour among dental students – a comparative study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the oral health behavior of first year students with that of sixth year students from Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, in Bucharest. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 293 undergraduates, divided into 2 groups: 156 students from the first year and 137 from the sixth year. The method used was the sociological survey based on an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The results showed an unhealthy behaviour among first-year students and a correct one regarding oral hygiene, but also incorrect in other respects (dental attendance, diet with low consumption of fruits and vegetables, but frequent consumption of cariogenic foods, and smoking status). The oral health behaviors reflect the importance of the speciality knowledge accumulated during the years of study. The knowledge and habits of dental students are an important part of professional education.