Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices and associated factors among non-dental healthcare professionals in South China: a cross-sectional study

Background Non-dental healthcare professionals (NDHPs) play an important role in oral health promotion; however, evidence on their oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) remains limited. This study aimed to assess oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among NDHPs in South China and to identify key factors associated with their overall KAP level. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 26 and December 25, 2024, among 809 NDHPs from multiple healthcare institutions in South China. The questionnaire assessed oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and related training needs. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to compare KAP scores across professions; Spearman correlation analysis examined associations among KAP domains; and ordinal logistic regression identified factors associated with overall KAP level. Results Overall, NDHPs demonstrated a pattern of positive attitudes but limited knowledge and suboptimal practices. The overall correct rate for oral health knowledge was 25.94%, with no significant differences across professions (H = 1.041, p = 0.594). Traditional media (books/journals/newspapers) was the most common information source (56.9%), and 41.16% of participants had received systematic oral health education. Although 85.4% considered oral health “very important,” notable misconceptions remained. Nearly all participants reported brushing daily (97.0%), yet only 36.1% met the recommended brushing duration; use of fluoridated toothpaste (44.1%) and dental floss (<50%) was low. Attitudes were positively correlated with both knowledge and practices, whereas knowledge was not significantly correlated with practices. In regression analyses, higher educational attainment (OR = 3.29, p = 0.007), prior oral health education (OR = 3.62, p < 0.001), and age 45–54 years (OR = 2.04, p = 0.001) were associated with higher KAP levels, while being married was associated with lower scores (OR = 0.24, p = 0.025). Conclusion NDHPs in South China exhibited generally positive attitudes toward oral health, but limited knowledge reserves and incomplete translation of knowledge into healthy practices. Attitude appears to be a key intermediary between knowledge and practice. Age, education, marital status, and prior oral health education were major determinants of oral health -related KAP in this population. These findings may inform efforts to strengthen oral health education within medical curricula and develop stratified, tailored training programs for NDHPs.