Knowledge and awareness of probiotics among dental students: A cross sectional study

Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, especially in oral health. Despite increasing evidence of their benefits in preventing oral infections, awareness among dental professionals remains limited. This study assesses the awareness of probiotics among dental students at a private dental college in Chennai. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 dental students using a structured questionnaire on probiotics. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with statistical tests like Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact test to assess associations between awareness and academic levels. Results: The study found varying levels of awareness across different academic years. Undergraduate students showed slightly better awareness than postgraduates, with significant gaps in knowledge about probiotics’ role in oral health, natural sources, and key constituents. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study students shows limited awareness about probiotics, which highlights the need of enhanced education in dental curriculum to address knowledge gaps and barriers regarding probiotic use in dental practice.