KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT THE USAGE OF INTERDENTAL AIDS AFTER CROWN PLACEMENT IN PATIENTS AMONG INTERNS OF PRIVATE DENTAL COLLEGES

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudeand practice (KAP) regarding the usage of interdental aids following crown placement in patients among the dental students pursuing internships in Chennai.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among the interns in private dental colleges of Chennai by random sampling method. A validated, structured questionnaire consisting of 24 close-ended questions were circulated among the participants to evaluate the KAP about the usage of interdental aids following crown placement in patients. The descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 27.0.

Results: Among the 554study participants, 96.9% of the interns knew that interdental cleaning aids are used to remove debris and interproximal dental plaqueand 92.6% of interns are actively positive towards the importance of interdental cleaning for gingival and periodontal health. The study also concluded that 89.4 % of interns advise interdental cleaning to patients and 86.8% of interns take a history of personal oral care before prescribing interdental cleaning aids.

Conclusion: Most participants hadgood knowledge, positive attitude,andpractice on interdental oral hygiene. Thedentist must not only provide quality dental prostheses to the patients but also educate them to focus on the maintenance of these prostheses to improve their longevity.