Assessment of Oral Health Literacy and Influencing Factors: Retrospective Analysis of Patients Treated by Dental Students.

Introduction: Oral health literacy (OHL) plays a crucial role in determining oral health outcomes, particularly in preventing and managing oral health issues. It is primarily developed through communication between dentists and patients-a key focus in dental education. To enhance this training, understanding OHL in student teaching is essential. This study aimed to assess OHL among patients undergoing treatment performed by dental students and identify influencing factors.

Materials and methods: This retrospective analysis evaluated the Oral Health Literacy Profile (OHLP) of patients (≥ 18 years) treated by dental students in their fourth and fifth year. The OHLP measures oral health behaviour (OHB) and oral health knowledge (OHK) (scored 0-100). Patients were grouped by age and periodontal therapy status. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and linear regression modelling.

Results: A total of 222 questionnaires (106 females; mean age 56.8 ± 16.4 years) were analysed. The mean OHLP was 54.4 ± 16.1. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in OHB and OHK were observed between age groups: the lowest OHB was in younger adults (47.9 ± 18.9), while the highest OHB (63.4 ± 22.9) and lowest OHK (29.1 ± 22.9) were in older seniors; OHB scores were higher in periodontal patients. The regression model identified age, female gender, periodontal therapy, and OHK as significant predictors of OHB (R² = 0.25, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Significant gaps in OHL were revealed, particularly among males, younger adults, older seniors, and those not undergoing regular periodontal therapy. Students should receive specialised training to recognise these varying levels of oral health knowledge, behaviour, and influencing factors, enabling them to effectively address these issues during counselling.