Knowledge and Attitude of Final Year Medical Students Towards Dentistry and Dental Consultation: A Questionnairebased Study

Abstract

Background: Several studies have reported poor awareness and knowledge of dental problems among the

medical students. There is lack of literature assessing the knowledge and attitude of medical students about

dental consultation. Hence there is need to explore the knowledge of medical students towards dentistry and

dental consultation.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and attitude of final year medical students towards

dentistry and dental consultation

Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 130 final-year medical

undergraduate students studying in Krishna Institute of Medical sciences. A self-administered, close ended

structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students towards dentistry

and dental consultation.

Results: The knowledge of final year medical students about dentistry was found to be average. The majority

of the students responded positively for dental consultation. The attitude of students towards dentistry

showed somewhat negative response.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of our study, medical curriculum should include dental health and disease

related topics to improve the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate medical students. Interdisciplinary

collaboration among medical and dental fraternity will benefit the patients at large.