Study on dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental floss
Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: A knowledge, attitude, and practices study regarding dental floss among dentists in India
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Charu Madan, Kapil Arora, Vandana Srikrishna Chadha, Bhadravathi Chaluvaiah Manjunath, Byalakere Rudraiah Chandrashekar, Vatchala Rani Rama Moorthy
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:
(A bimonthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A knowledge, attitude, and practices study regarding dental floss among dentists in India
Year: 2014 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.134578
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Periodontal diseases are significant oral health challenges, particularly in developing countries like India, where their prevalence can be alarmingly high. Despite being preventable, these diseases can be exacerbated by insufficient dental hygiene practices, including the lack of effective plaque removal. While toothbrushes are widely used, they often fail to adequately clean inter-dental areas, leading to an increased emphasis on complementary oral hygiene aids, such as dental floss. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists in the Delhi National Capital Region of India regarding dental floss, highlighting potential barriers to its use and prescription.
Importance of Knowledge and Education
One of the critical findings of the study was that a concerning number of dentists exhibited inadequate knowledge about dental floss. Only 1.6% of respondents provided all the correct answers regarding its benefits and proper use, indicating a significant gap in education. While most dentists acknowledged the importance of dental floss for oral hygiene, factors such as lack of awareness among patients and insufficient emphasis on dental floss in dental curricula were identified as barriers to its routine recommendation. The study underscored the need for enhanced educational initiatives within dental schools and continuous professional development to improve dentists’ understanding and advocacy for using dental floss as part of effective oral care.
Conclusion
The study concluded that despite recognizing the importance of dental floss for maintaining oral hygiene, many dentists have limited knowledge regarding its benefits and proper usage. This gap in understanding correlates with low prescription rates and underutilization among patients. To foster better oral health practices, it is crucial to improve education about dental floss within dental training programs and increase awareness among the general population. Establishing strong advocacy for dental floss by healthcare professionals can lead to more effective preventive measures against periodontal diseases and ultimately enhance public health outcomes in India.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the objective of the study on dental floss in India?
The study aimed to assess dentists' knowledge, attitudes, self-reported practices, and prescription patterns regarding dental floss among a select population in India.
What were the main findings about dentist knowledge of dental floss?
The study found that many dentists lacked adequate knowledge of dental floss, with only 66.3% providing more than five correct responses regarding its efficacy and necessity in maintaining oral hygiene.
How often do dentists in the study prescribe dental floss to patients?
The study revealed that 63.9% of dentists regularly prescribe dental floss, but the overall percentage of patients receiving such recommendations remains relatively low, indicating a gap in oral hygiene practices.
What barriers to dental floss use did dentists identify?
Dentists cited factors like lack of public awareness, cost, availability, and inadequate emphasis in dental education as significant barriers to the effective use and prescription of dental floss.
What conclusion was drawn regarding dental floss education in India?
The study concluded that enhanced education and awareness regarding dental floss are essential for both dentists and the general public to prevent periodontal diseases in India.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Study on dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental floss’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Socioeconomic status, Periodontal disease, Patient compliance, Prescription Pattern, Health education program, Self-Reported Practices.