Self-Reported Oral Health Attitudes and Behaviors, and Gingival Status of Dental Students

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess self-reported oral health attitudes and behaviors of the Iraqi dental students and compare the variations in these attitudes and behaviors that linked to dental education level and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire depended on the English version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) was prepared, the questionnaire given to 198 dental students. RESULTS: About 91.4% of the dental students were worried about the teeth colour, and merely minor percentage of them (18.8%) thought it is not crucial to seek dental advice until they acquire a tooth pain; however, 26.3% of the students were disturbed because of their gum colour, and 75.3% of them examined their teeth after brushing. Besides, 72.2% of the students replied that gum disease could not be prevented by tooth brushing only, 60.1% of the students do not give visiting the dentist such concern, and 14.1% of dental students were smokers. The plaque and gingival indices were significantly higher in preclinical students than clinical students. CONCLUSION: Iraqi dental students had somewhat good oral health behavior and attitudes; however, extra concentrating is required on the anticipatory and behavioral aspects of oral self-care practices. Female dental students displayed better oral health behavior and attitudes than male colleagues on some issues.