ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF PARTICIPANTS VISITING A DENTAL EXHIBITION AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Introduction:

Tertiary care centers are usually associated with teaching hospitals equipped with sophisticated diagnostic and treatment facilities, as well as sub-specialty resources, not available at general hospitals. An exhibition at a tertiary care centre offers a confluence of patients, doctors, professionals and individuals from different forms of society.

Materials and Method:

A descriptive cross-sectional study on 379 patients was conducted to assess the oral health status, different oral hygiene practices and adverse habits amongst the individuals visiting the exhibition in a tertiary care hospital. A structured proforma assessed the oral hygiene practices and adverse habits amongst the individuals. WHO Oral health assessment form 2013 for adults was used to record the oral health status of the individuals.

Results:

334 (88.12%) participants denied consumption of any form of smokeless tobacco whereas 4.48% reported alcohol consumption in the present study. 367 (96.8%) were using toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth and majority 79.4 % brushed their teeth once. 247 participants (65.1%) had decayed teeth, 101 (26.6%) had missing teeth and 79 participants (20.8%) had filled teeth. The mean DT, MT, FT in the present study was found to be 2.15+2.84, .98+3.03 and .52+1.42.

Conclusion:

Dental caries status in the participants attending the exhibition at a tertiary care centre was found to be high. This study emphasized the need for strong referral linkages and integrated approach for comprehensive treatment.

Author(s): Priya Harsh

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