EVALUATION OF PERIODONTAL INDICES AMONG FOURTH- AND FIFTH-STAGE DENTAL STUDENTS AT AL-KAFEEL UNIVERSITY, A CROSS-SECTIONAL COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: Debris inflammation of the mouth is known as gingivitis around the teeth that doesn't lead to bone or clinical attachment loss. The type of gingivitis caused by dental biofilm is the most frequently diagnosed periodontal disease. Periodontitis involves periodontal inflammation and apical migration of the junctional epithelium, which destroys connective tissue connection and alveolar bone. Biofilm of bacteria forms on mouth surfaces as dental plaque. Calculus, a hard deposit generated by mineralization of dental plaque on natural teeth and dental prosthesis, is usually supra or subgingival. Periodontal disorders are among the most frequent oral illnesses. This study aimed to Evaluation of periodontal indices among dental student due to their easy accessibility, their similarity in age, and because they are more aware of oral care factors through their studies. The study also aims to provide a useful practical application for students in measuring indicators of gum disease, the students of dental college Alkafeel University as a sample. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional research was undertaken at Alkafeel University in Najaf, Iraq, in 2022–2023. This research involved 100 (50 male/50 female) fourth stage and 100 (50 male/50 female) final-year faculty students Using a systematic interview questionnaire, clinical exams, a flat mouth mirror, and a University of Michigan ‘O’ probe (Williams marks). The examiner measured plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and Simplified Calculus Index(CI). Results: The fourth stage (mean ±SD) of PI = (0.4498+0.3378), GI= (1.6006 ± 1.922), CI= (0.3140 ± 0.2668) were found to be high compared with The fifth stage(mean ±SD) of plaque (0.2980+0.2127), gingival (0.7260 ± 0.6004) and calculus (0.2980 ± 0.2127) indices, with significant difference in gingival index only p<0.05.