Dental Attitudes, Perceptions, and Treatment Needs in a University Population

Abstract

College-age students are very susceptible to both dental caries and periodontal disease. Unfortunately, only a few studies have examined the specific dental needs, attitudes, and perceptions of this unique target population. The purpose of this study was to add to this body of knowledge. In addition, the information gained would be used to determine the need for and assist in the development of a dental services component in the student health service.

The study population consisted of 3,100 randomly selected students from a total enrollment of 34,741. Clinical data was collected by means of a dental examination using a mouth mirror, explorer, periodontal probe, and a portable light source. Additional information was obtained by the administration of a 44-item questionnaire.

Descriptive statistics were obtained on the following variables: frequency of past dental visits of the students and their parents, perceived susceptibility to dental conditions, perceived seriousness of dental conditions, perceived preventability of dental conditions, perceived treatability of dental conditions, satisfaction with oral health, satisfaction with dentists, performance of personal oral hygiene practices, and dental conditions experienced in the last 12 months.

Clinical examination revealed the students to be in generally good oral health. Their average DMF (caries experience—decayed, missing, filled teeth) was 7.9 (D = 2.1; M = 0.3; F = 5.5), and the average number of tooth surfaces requiring treatment was 3.4. The Gingival Index was .69 (0 = normal gingiva; 1 = mild inflammation), and only an estimated 2% of the students were in need of extensive periodontal therapy.

An overwhelming majority (91.6%) of the students expressed a desire to have a dental clinic available on campus, and 82.6% stated that they would use such a clinic for routine dental services.