Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices that the university population of the UEES possesses in relation to Oral Health. Pilot study conducted in 2005

Abstract

Diagnosing the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices that this sector of the Salvadoran population possesses will allow to propose preventive and curative actions related to Oral Health and according to the reality that this population lives, but it will also show the importance that Salvadorans give to Oral Health with the purpose of reorienting the training of future dentists with a preventive vision. This study, considered as a pilot, provides relevant information on this sector of the university population of the UEES, since knowledge of the state of oral health provides an adequate basis to estimate the current needs and future dental assistance of the same. The second phase of this study is intended to be carried out at the national level. At the end of the study it is concluded that in terms of knowledge students know about oral hygiene and about the recommendations of the visit at least once a year to the dentist. Most of them know some consequences related to bad oral salad and the repercussions on general health. As for attitudes, for most students it is good, however, it is necessary to develop activities in them that help them to influence favorable ways and lifestyles so that they help to rescue a correct dental hygiene. In relation to Practice, the majority of students at using the different oral hygiene devices self-qualify with better oral hygiene habits.