Oral health knowledge and attitude among nursing students and staff in Mahasamund City, India

Oral health is a human right, an integral part of general health and essential for overall wellbeing and quality of life. Proper oral health care reduces premature mortality Nurses act as a link between admitted patients and doctors in the hospital. Public health nurses can educate people about health subjects. The study was conducted to assess oral health knowledge and attitude among nursing students and staff in Mahasamund city, India. To assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding oral health among nursing students and staff in Mahasamund City, India and to identify gaps that can be addressed through targeted educational interventions. The study was conducted at five nursing colleges in Mahasamund city, India. A total of 281 nursing students and staff from nursing colleges were included and requested to complete 25 closely ended questionnaires. A written informed consent was taken. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16.0 and frequencies were calculated for each item in the questionnaire. 53% were of the view that toothpaste and brush is an ideal material for brushing. More than (73%) participants responded that gum infections were responsible for bleeding from gums. Almost 6.4% reported that brushing should be done twice daily. The majority of those (65%) had sufficient knowledge for detection of Dental Caries. Almost 66% had sufficient knowledge about Public Health Dentistry. Most of the (70%) were interested in doing work at the Public Health Dentistry. The overall oral health knowledge and attitude of nursing students and staff was insufficient. Only half of the study participants were aware of various aspects of oral health. Nurses should have basic knowledge about oral health and disease. It is recommended that a dental curriculum should be introduced in the nurses undergraduate training program which can be housed in Public Health Dentistry department as a part of community nursing.