Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Among Dental and Medical Students in Herat University in 2025

Abstract

Background and Objective: Oral health is an important component of overall health, and healthcare students are expected to possess adequate oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study compared oral health KAP between dental and medical students at Herat University, Afghanistan. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 undergraduate dental and medical students at Herat University using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a 23-item self-administered questionnaire assessing oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests were performed using SPSS version 27.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Findings/Results: Dental students demonstrated higher oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices than medical students. Median knowledge scores were higher among dental students (75.00% vs. 65.62%; p < 0.001), as were attitude scores (58.82% vs. 52.94%; p = 0.016) and practice scores (75.00% vs. 67.50%; p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in knowledge of recommended brushing techniques, fluoride toothpaste use, flossing, regular dental visits, and perceptions of gingival bleeding. Dental students also reported more favorable preventive oral health behaviors, including flossing and routine dental attendance. Conclusion: Dental students exhibited superior oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices compared with medical students. Incorporating additional oral health education into undergraduate medical curricula may help improve oral health awareness and preventive behaviors among future healthcare professionals.