EVOLUTION OF DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES ON ORAL HEALTH IN PRECLINICAL AND CLINICAL YEARS OF MEDICAL EDUCATION

A.V. BLINOVA, E.V. BITYUKOVA, YU.S. SMIRNOVA

Department of Periodontology, Tver State Medical University, Tver, Russian Federation

Objective: To assess the evolution of dental hygiene students' perspectives on oral health in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th years of students at the Faculty of Dentistry at Tver State Medical University in Tver, Russia.

Methods: In the spring semester of the academic year 2020/2021, an anonymous survey was conducted among 115 second-year students and 74 fourth-year students. In the academic year 2023/24, a follow-up survey was administered, in which the 2nd year students from the previous study participated again. By the time of the repeat survey, these students were in their 5th year, totaling 112 participants. Statistical comparisons of the data were performed using Student's t-test for quantitative variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

Results: During the academic year 2020/21, 4th year students predominantly employed the Bass technique for brushing their teeth and opted for gels in their home remineralization therapy. In contrast, 2nd year students tended to substitute traditional tooth brushing with mouthwash and chewing gums. However, by the academic year 2022/24, these former 2nd year students had mastered effective toothbrushing techniques, actively utilized dental floss and brushes, and enhanced their oral hygiene routines with tongue-cleaning gels and hygienic foams.

Conclusion: During the academic year 2020/21, 4th year dental students exhibited a more comprehensive understanding of hygiene than their 2nd year counterparts. However, by the academic year 2023/24, the more experienced 2nd year students enhanced their skills and exceeded their senior peers in several key indicators.

Keywords: Oral hygiene, toothbrush, dental floss, mouthwash, hygiene training.

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