Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral hygiene among dental and non-dental participants - A comparative study

Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the awareness, knowledge, and practices related to oral hygiene among individuals from the dental sector and those from non-dental backgrounds. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2024 and August 2024 using an online self-reported questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. A total of 420 participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling, including 202 individuals from the dental sector and 218 from the non-dental sector. The questionnaire comprised demographic details and 11 questions evaluating oral hygiene knowledge and practices. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17 software, with Chi-square tests employed to determine statistical significance ( P < 0.05). Results: The findings indicated that individuals from the dental sector demonstrated significantly higher awareness and adherence to recommended oral hygiene practices than their non-dental counterparts. Among dental participants, 58% brushed twice daily compared to 46.3% in the non-dental group. The modified Bass technique was more commonly used among dental participants (40.6%), whereas the horizontal/vertical scrub method was preferred by 56.9% of non-dental individuals. A higher proportion of dental participants (89.1%) were aware of interdental cleaning aids compared to 68.4% of non-dental participants. In addition, 30.2% of dental professionals reported visiting a dentist every 6 months, whereas 57.8% of non-dental individuals sought dental care only when necessary. Conclusion: The study highlights significant differences in oral hygiene knowledge and practices between individuals in the dental and non-dental sectors. Dental professionals exhibit better oral hygiene awareness and behaviors, emphasizing the need for increased public education and awareness campaigns to bridge the gap in oral health knowledge. Strengthening preventive strategies and promoting routine dental visits can contribute to improved oral health outcomes in the general population.