Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Good oral hygiene is a key reason for maintaining the functional, structural, physiological state of well-being of an individual. Innovative techniques are being used to treat periodontitis. Periodontal disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis which eventually deteriorates the oral health when left untreated. AIM: The aim of this present study is to assess the knowledge about periodontal disease among the undergraduate students. MATERIALS AND METHODS : This is a questionnaire based cross-sectional study performed among 100 dental UG students in a private dental college. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS software version 23. RESULT: In this present study, it is found that the third year students were more aware of the periodontal disease when compared to first, second and fourth year students. In our study, 38% of the respondents were aware of the signs of periodontal disease. Only 39% of the population were aware whereas 61% of the population were unaware of the initiating factor of periodontal disease. And 72% of them were aware of risk factors of periodontal disease. There exists an association between year of study and percentage of responses between the risk factors of periodontitis with p value 0.060 which is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: It is concluded from the study that third year students have adequate knowledge about periodontal diseases. Better awareness and knowledge about periodontal diseases among dental students helps them in prompt diagnosis and treatment planning.

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