Longitudinal study on oral health of dental students at Paris VII University

Abstract

This survey was conducted on young dental students, with the aim of evaluating the influence of scientific information dispensed during their studies on their own oral state and on their behavior towards it. Various parameters were considered at the very beginning of their university studies and at the end of their studies. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the socioeconomic origin and oral hygiene habits of the students. In order to assess actual improvement in oral health standardized clinical examinations were utilized. The comparison of parameters measured at the beginning and at the end of the clinical studies of the students revealed that the OHI-S [simplified and hygiene index] and the GI [gingival index] scores had decreased highly significantly (P < 0.01) and that the DMFT [decayed, missing and filled (permanent teeth)] score had increased significantly (P < 0.01). The increase in the DMFT score was mainly due to a high number of fillings. The answers to the questionnaire were indicative of a favorable modification in hygiene habits. At the end of their clinical studies the students were on an average more aware of their oral health; the quality and the duration of their toothbrushing had improved and they more often sought early treatment and preventive care than at the beginning of their studies.