ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HYGIENE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG FIRST-YEAR BACHELOR OF DENTAL SURGERY STUDENTS: ACROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abdul  Samad; Aleena Jabir; Ramsha Zuberi

Authors

Abdul Samad Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9642-9121
Aleena Jabir Bolan medical college, Quetta, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3322-0011
Ramsha Zuberi Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Cross-Sectional Studies, Dental Students, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventive Dentistry, Surveys and Questionnaires, , Toothbrushing

Abstract

Background: Oral hygiene is fundamental to preventing dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral conditions, yet personal practices among dental students—the future oral health educators—may not fully reflect their theoretical knowledge. Evaluating baseline understanding and daily behaviors in early training provides critical insights for curriculum development.

Objective: To assess baseline oral hygiene knowledge and daily practices among first-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students.

Methods: A four-month cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 first-year BDS students in Lahore, Pakistan. A validated, self-administered questionnaire assessed demographics, oral hygiene knowledge (maximum score 15), and daily practices (maximum score 10). Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were applied using SPSS version 26. Ethical approval (IRB/2025/09-LHR) and informed consent were obtained.

Results: The mean age of participants was 19.2 ± 0.8 years, with 55% females and 70.8% urban residents. The mean knowledge score was 10.9 ± 2.0, and the mean practice score was 7.0 ± 1.8. Ninety-two percent correctly identified brushing twice daily as recommended, while only 54% reported regular flossing. Urban students demonstrated slightly higher practice scores (7.3 ± 1.7) than rural peers (6.7 ± 1.8). No significant correlation was observed between knowledge and practice scores (r = –0.05, p>0.05).

Conclusion: First-year dental students exhibited satisfactory oral hygiene knowledge but inconsistent application in daily self-care. Early, behavior-focused interventions in dental curricula are essential to strengthen the translation of knowledge into lifelong practices.

Author Biographies

Abdul Samad , Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Pakistan.

BDS, Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Pakistan.
Aleena Jabir , Bolan medical college, Quetta, Pakistan.

4th year student, studying BDS at Bolan medical college, Quetta, Pakistan.
Ramsha Zuberi , Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

BDS, Ortho (R), Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

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