Perception and Behavior of PIDC Patients Towards Online Dental Health Information

Background: The Internet represents an increasingly common source of dental health related information, and it has facilitated a wide range of interactions between patient and the oral health care providers.Aim: To evaluate the perception and behaviour of Penang International Dental College (PIDC), Penang, Malaysia patients towards online dental health information.Methodology: A pre validated questionnaire was randomly distributed to 365 new and existing patients of PIDC attending treatment at the facility during the years 2019-2020.Convenience sampling was carried out for patients attending PIDC for their treatment.Statistical analysis: T-test was used to find the significant difference between the younger users (<35) and the older users (36-75) pertaining to using the internet for seeking dental health information.Furthermore, Pearson's correlation was applied to correlate the relationship between age and the frequency of internet use for seeking dental information.Result: PIDC has a satisfactory number of patients (268) who use the internet for seeking dental health information.The patients have a positive perception towards the online dental health information gathered with a mean score of 28.7.There is a significant difference between the younger users (<35) and the older users (36-75) pertaining to using the internet for seeking dental health information (ρ<0.05).There is a significant relationship between age and the frequency of internet use for seeking dental information (ρ<0.05).Conclusion: PIDC does have a satisfactory number of patients who use the internet for seeking dental health information with a positive perception towards the information gathered.