Smoking and its determinants among Iranian dental students

The objective of the present study was to investigate smoking habits of Iranian dental students in relation to their background characteristics and oral self-care [OSC]. A survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted of 327 senior dental students in seven randomly selected state dental schools in Iran. In addition to smoking habits and background characteristics, the students were asked about OSC. A recommended level of OSC was defined as a combination of brushing at least twice a day, frequent use of fluoridated toothpaste, and eating sugary snacks less than daily. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]. A total of 263 students [113 males and 150 females] completely answered the questions and were included in the analyses. Of the 263 students, 59 [23%, 37 males and 22 females] reported current smoking [cigarette, pipe, or water pipe]. Current smoking was associated with male gender [OR=2.9, 95% CI=1.4-5.6], level of father's education [OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.1-1.8], and OSC [OR=4.4, 95% CI=1.3-14.9]. Smoking among Iranian dental students is similar to their socioeconomic group, and is associated with the characteristics of their background, such as gender and father's level of education, as well as the quality of OSC. The results indicate a need to include smoking cessation education and public health activities in the dental curriculum to provide future health care professionals and role models for patients with adequate training in up-to-date patient management to control smoking

Study motives and career choices of iranian dental students

To investigate the study motives and career choices of Iranian senior dental students in relation to their background factors. During the spring term 2005, a questionnaire survey was administered to 327 senior dental students in seven randomly selected state dental schools in Iran. The questionnaire requested information on age, gender, parents' employment in dentistry, previous education and employment in dental hygiene, study motives, and career choices. Statistical analyses were made using independent sample t test, factor analysis, and binary logistic regression model. Based on the factor analysis, which explained 73% of the total variance, five motive dimensions were identified: altruism and intellectual challenges, characteristics of the profession, social status and security, other person's recommendation, and failure to be admitted to other study programmes. The mean for the 'characteristics of the profession' dimension was lower among the students with at least one parent employed in dentistry [p = 0.03]. The 'altruism and intellectual challenges' dimension was reported to be more influential by the students with background in dental hygiene [32 students] compared to the others [p < 0.001]. Engaging in postgraduate studies was the first career preference of 189 [70%] of the respondents. Those with a background in dental hygiene were less inclined to enter postgraduate courses [p < 0.001], but more eager to be employed in either the public or the private sector [p < 0.001], and to enter the community oral health and research field [p < 0.001] than the others. Personal characteristics and motives of the students play a major role in shaping their career preferences