Awareness of Malocclusion among Dental Students of Hawler Medical University

Abstract

It has been stated that malocclusion is the third most common oral health problem, which is caused due to various environmental and genetic factors. The lifestyle of a person is adversely impacted by malocclusion due to its psychological as well as other disturbances in eating, talking, and aesthetics. So, the present study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge about the effect of malocclusion among dental Students of Hawler Medical University. A cross-sectional study was conducted among (294) dental students of College of Dentistry at Hawler Medical University between the ages of 17 and 24 (116 male and 178 female). A questionnaire consisting of 19 questions were sent to the participants via online. The majority of the participants (74.1%) were confident of their smile and (60.2%) were happy to smile for photograph.  In the past three years, 76.9% of the participants did not go to the dentist's office. In terms of level of knowledge, (78.6%) knew that malocclusion leads to gum problems, (82%) and (76.2%) were aware that it leads to cavities and pain respectively. (86.7%) were aware that thumb sucking, mouth breathing and other bad oral habits were causing malocclusion. Among those surveyed (57.1%) have contemplated that there is an age limit for orthodontic treatment. Lastly, (93.9%) were aware that an orthodontist specialized for correction of malocclusion. The study revealed overall good knowledge about the effect and the etiology of malocclusion among dental students. High levels of knowledge and attitude toward orthodontics treatment were present, particularly among older students.