Assessment of Periodontal Health Status and Treatment Needs Among Dental Students of Al-Kufa University by Using the Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the periodontal status and treatment needs of undergraduate dental students at Al-Kufa University in Iraq and investigated the influence of demographic factors (age and gender) and oral hygiene practices (tooth brushing technique, frequency of brushing, use of interdental aids, dental visit patterns) on periodontal health. Materials and Methods: A sample of 200 undergraduate dental students (aged 18-24 years) was selected using a multistage systematic random sampling procedure during the 2023-2024 academic year. Periodontal health was assessed using the World Health Organization Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN). The CPITN probe was used to evaluate bleeding on probing, presence of calculus, plaque retentive factors, and pocket depths (4, 5, and 6 mm). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and the Pearson’s chi-square test was used to assess associations, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of periodontal disease (86.5%) among the students. Calculus was the most frequent finding (65.5%), while only 13.5% of students exhibited a healthy periodontium. The majority (69%) required scaling and root planning (TN2). Female students exhibited significantly healthier periodontia compared to males (p<0.05). Older students (21-24 years) had a significantly higher prevalence of deeper periodontal pockets than younger students (p<0.05). Smoking was significantly associated with poorer periodontal health (p<0.05). A statistically significant association was found between the frequency of tooth brushing and periodontal health (p<0.05), with those brushing twice daily showing better periodontal status. While not statistically significant, the use of interdental aids was associated with healthier periodontia. Students with irregular dental visit patterns had a higher prevalence of calculus (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of periodontal disease and significant treatment needs among undergraduate dental students at Al-Kufa University. Gender, age, smoking status, and oral hygiene practices were associated with periodontal health. These findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive oral health education programs, incorporating behavioral change strategies and promoting the importance of preventive dental care.