A survey about awareness of periodontal health among the students of professional colleges in Dakshina Kannada District

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is an important factor in maintaining sound psychological and physical health. Association between knowledge and better oral health has been well documented. AIM: To assess the oral health awareness and knowledge about periodontal diseases among the students of medical, Ayurveda, and Engineering Colleges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among the students of medical, Ayurveda, and engineering colleges. Three hundred students were selected using a simple random sampling method and a self-constructed 15 items questionnaire was distributed to all subjects. Chi-square test was applied to individual questions and Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare overall oral health awareness and knowledge about periodontal diseases among the students. RESULTS: A substantial lack of oral hygiene understanding and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices even in health professionals and engineering students. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, there is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral health and impart education about the correct oral hygiene practices at an elementary level.