[DMFT and the effect of dental education on orodental health of dental students in Isfahan School of Dentistry]

ABSTRACT

Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic disease all over the world and imposes heavy costs on people and health services each year. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of DMFT, its related factors and dental education on the orodental health of dental students in Isfahan Faculty of Dentistry. In this descriptive cross-sectional study all the dental students [n=202] in Isfahan Faculty of Dentistry were evaluated regarding DMFT and oral hygiene procedures they were engaged in. For DMFT index the subjects were clinically examined; to evaluate oral hygiene procedures which the students used questionnaires were used. Data was analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficient, t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests using SPSS 11 software [? = 0.05]. Mean DMFT index was 5.043; it was 5.54 and 5.33 in males and females, respectively, demonstrating no significant differences [p value < 0.05]. Mean DMFT index demonstrated no significant differences between students of different educational years [p value < 0.05]. Statistically significant differences were noted with the use of dental floss in students of different educational years; however, the results of the study showed that brushing frequency was not significantly different among the students [p value < 0.05]. Our results showed that it is necessary to raise awareness in oral hygiene and an emphasis on oral hygiene instructions is necessary