Evaluation of knowledge and attitude of senior dental students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences regarding oral health care in pregnant women

Hormonal changes and oral microflora alteration put pregnant women in higher risk for oral health problems which may lead to dangerous situations for both mother and her fetus. Studies have shown that dentist’s knowledge, and provision of services regarding pregnant women’ oral health are in an unacceptable level. There for, the aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of senior dental students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences on oral health care in pregnant women.

In this cross-sectional study, all senior dental students (n=109), were asked to participate by census. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable questionnaire consisting of questions on background information, knowledge, and attitude towards oral health care in pregnancy. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data; linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient were used.

Totally, 82 completed questionnaires were collected (response rate=75%). The mean score of knowledge, and attitude were (15.83±2.80) (out of 30), and 49.90±3.63 (out of 70), respectively. There was no statistical relationship between knowledge score and background characteristics. Attitude score had a significant relationship with studying campus (p=0.004, B=2.75). The Pearson correlation coefficient showed no significant relationship between knowledge, and attitude scores.

The results of the study showed that knowledge and attitude of students on oral health care in pregnant women is moderate. Promoting and updating educational content in some areas of knowledge along with efforts to improve the attitude of dental students should be considered.