Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Clinical Dentistry and Research, cilt.47, sa.2, ss.29-37, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Background and Aim: It is important to enhance the awareness of oral health of all health professionals, including occupational therapists. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health behaviors of the students of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy and to reveal their knowledge and awareness about oral health. Materials and Methods: Ethical approval and mandatory formal permissions were obtained. The data were gathered via an e-questionnaire from the Department of Occupational Therapy students and analyzed using SPSS-20.0. Results: Two hundred fifty-one students with a mean (±SD) age of 21.4 (±2.2) years participated. 4% of all students reported not brushing their teeth regularly. The percentage of oral care products usage other than toothbrushes, and toothpaste was 61.8%. Among the participants, 71.7% had visited a dentist only when they had a complaint, and 78.1% did not have oral health education. The percentages for answers to the basic oral health knowledge statements were more than 50.0%, except for three statements. Of all students, 31.9% did not know about the collaboration working area of occupational therapists with dentists; 92.5% were willing to have an oral health education. Conclusion: The knowledge and awareness of the occupational therapist candidates on oral health need to be improved as long as the oral health behaviors. In this regard, occupational therapy students need training in oral health.