Malaysian undergraduates' knowledge and opinions on early childhood oral health

Mani, Shani Ann and Burhanudin, Nor Aszlitah and John, Jacob (2012) Malaysian undergraduates' knowledge and opinions on early childhood oral health. European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 13 (1). pp. 64-68. ISSN 1591-996X E-ISSN 2035-648X

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Abstract

Aim in Malaysia, Early Childhood Caries (ECC) was found to affect 76.2% of 5-year-olds (2005). General practitioners are more likely to encounter preschool children and are in a better position to educate parents and caretakers about ECC and make appropriate referrals. This study assessed the knowledge and opinions on early childhood oral health among medical and dental undergraduates. Methods This cross sectional study involved 245 students enrolled in the first year medical (M1) and dental (D1) course and fourth year medical (M4) and dental (D4) course. The students completed a self-administered questionnaire which included knowledge and opinions on early childhood oral health. Comparisons between the groups were done using chi-square test. results Dental students showed significantly better knowledge than medical students. D1 students showed significantly better knowledge of age of first tooth eruption over M1. Knowledge of recommended age for bottle weaning was higher among D4 students but not significantly more than M4 students. conclusion The majority of medical students showed inadequate knowledge indicating that medical curriculum should emphasise on oral health topics of public health relevance like ECC and its prevention. Dental students had better knowledge regarding early childhood oral health, but lacked knowledge on its preventive aspects.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	6664/66724
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Early Childhood Oral Health; Early Childhood Caries; Medical, dental undergraduates; Oral health knowledge, opinions.
Subjects:	R Medicine > RK Dentistry > RK318 Oral and Dental Medicine. Pathology. Diseases-Therapeutics-General Works
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Diagnosis Kulliyyah of Dentistry
Depositing User:	Dr Nor Aszlitah Burhanudin
Date Deposited:	19 Oct 2018 15:42
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2018 15:42
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/66724

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