Oral Health Beliefs, Perceptions and Utilisation of Oral Health Care Services among the Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Pahang, Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

@#Introduction: Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, representing 0.6% of the Malaysian population. Vast inequality was observed regarding oral health beliefs, behaviour, and utilisation of oral health services between the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli. The aim of the study was to explore the oral health beliefs, perceptions, and oral health service utilization behaviour among Orang Asli in the district of Bera, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: Orang Asli’s oral health beliefs and perceptions of oral healthcare service were ascertained through four FGDs. Nineteen participants from Bera’s semi-urban and rural Orang Asli communities were convened. Emerging themes from the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Orang Asli believed that oral health is essential for an individual’s function and aesthetics. They are also aware that inadequate oral hygiene care will result in tooth decay and gum disease. Most of the Orang Asli that chewed betel nuts believed that limestone paste could cause oral cancer. The main barriers to Orang Asli accessing oral healthcare services were time constraints and distance to the nearby clinic. Conclusion: The Orang Asli believed oral health care is essential in ensuring a healthy oral condition. Despite their generational belief towards traditional healers and medication, Orang Asli in Bera had a perceived positive acceptance towards oral healthcare services.

Education Perception, Experience, and Anxiety Level Among Undergraduate Dental Students in Malaysia During the Covid 19 Pandemic

@#Introduction: This study aims to explore the dental students’ educational experience, the protocol consideration after school reopening and their physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, to evaluate the anxiety level of dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional survey was distributed with a hyperlink, reported as frequencies and percentages. A univariate analysis was used to explore the significant associations between demographic variables and anxiety levels. The risk factor was also identified using regression analysis. A two-tailed p<0.25 was considered significant. Results: A total of 333 respondents participated in the survey. Half of the respondents (42.3%) were comfortable with distance learning but worried about passing their examination and completing their clinical requirements. The transitioning to the online course by the lecturer was documented as effective. Despite missing academic sessions, only 15.3% were willing to replace the loss of educational experience. The majority of students (85.9%) believed that masks should be worn in school, but varied perceptions on wearing gloves and frequent COVID-19 testing. For physical health, mostly concerned about contracting the virus after the school reopens. For their anxiety level, nearly half have mild (n=99), moderate (n=55), and severe (n=36) levels. The factors were mainly associated with gender, household income, type of university, and respondent’s accommodation. Conclusion: As positive feedback was recorded towards online learning, constant improvement is needed to ensure the possibility of hybrid learning, even after the pandemic. The physical and psychological health of dental students should be a priority, to ensure a smooth transition during these unprecedented circumstances.