Oral health attitudes and behaviours of final-year dental students.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study of final-year dental students in 10 classes (1997, 2001-2009) were to examine their self-reported oral health attitudes and behaviours and describe any trends in these attributes.


METHODS
Students were surveyed in final semester via an anonymous questionnaire (34 behaviour questions; eight attitude statements). Distributions, trends over time and attitude-behaviour associations were examined.


RESULTS
Of 583 students, 459 responded (79%). All tooth-brushed with fluoride toothpaste; 80% brushed ≥2/day. Overall, 85% flossed; over time flossing behaviour increased significantly (P < 0.05), and those flossing 1-2/day increased (P < 0.005). Over time, significant decreases occurred in those taught toothbrushing (P < 0.001) and flossing (P < 0.05), and in use of mouth rinses (P < 0.05) and tooth cleansing sticks/picks (P < 0.001). Almost all (96%) had received a dental examination; 77% attended a dentist 1-3/year. Between-meal snacking was common (84%); 71% chewed gum. Although 18% had ever smoked, 5% currently smoked. Most strongly agreed they expected to keep most of their teeth for all their life (76%); their future needs for fillings would be minimal (61%); smoking could adversely affect their teeth or gums (85%); and regular dental attendance was important for their dental health (51%). Congruent attitudes and behaviours favouring oral health were widely held concerning dental attendance, flossing and smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
Final-year dental students showed well established, favourable oral hygiene attitudes and behaviours, with evidence to suggest this knowledge was developed whilst in dental school. Despite many ceasing smoking, 5% still smoked. All dental students should receive training in motivational counselling and tobacco cessation to ensure this is included in patient care.
Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia. ljbm@unimelb.edu.au
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D000328:Adult; D002638:Chewing Gum / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
D002638:Chewing Gum