Strengthening dental health education

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 137 views

The Relationship Between Knowledge and Behavior of Dental and Oral Health Care Among USU Architecture Faculty of Engineering Students

Introduction

Dental and oral health is often considered trivial, even though the problems that occur in this area are much influenced by individual behavior. Among the students of the Faculty of Architecture Engineering, University of North Sumatra (USU), it is essential to understand the relationship between knowledge about dental health and their maintenance behavior. This study aims to explore the extent to which students' knowledge affects their actions in caring for oral health.

Background

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. However, many individuals, including students, often neglect their dental health, leading to various problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. The importance of knowledge about dental and oral health cannot be overstated, as it is the main driver in encouraging individuals to be more disciplined in maintaining their oral hygiene.

Methodology

In this study, researchers conducted analytic surveys with cross-sectional designs involving 506 students. Of these, 142 students were willing to become respondents using simple random sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire specifically designed to measure the level of knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health maintenance.

Results

The results showed that 61.3% of students had good knowledge about oral health, while 51.4% showed adequate behavior in caring for their teeth and mouth. By using the Chi-Square test, a significant relationship was found between the knowledge and behavior of the maintenance of dental and oral health (p = 0.001). This shows that the better the knowledge of students about dental and oral health, the better their behavior in maintaining the health.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of knowledge in shaping the behavior of dental and oral health care among students. Students with high knowledge tend to be more aware of the importance of maintaining dental health, so they are more likely to do good habits such as regularly brushing teeth, using dental floss, and avoiding foods that damage teeth.

Implications

The results of this study provide valuable insight into the importance of knowledge in shaping the behavior of dental and oral health care. Students of the USU Architecture Faculty, with a good level of knowledge, are expected to be an example and agent of change in the community regarding the importance of maintaining optimal oral health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the significant relationship between knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health care among students. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of dental health education in the faculty curriculum and counseling activities. Educational programs involving dental health practitioners can be an effective solution to foster positive awareness and behavior related to oral health among students.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Strengthening dental health education: Dental health education needs to be strengthened in the faculty curriculum and counseling activities so that students not only have knowledge, but can also apply it in everyday life.
Involving dental health practitioners: Educational programs involving dental health practitioners can be an effective solution to foster positive awareness and behavior related to oral health among students.
Promoting good habits: Students with high knowledge tend to be more aware of the importance of maintaining dental health, so they are more likely to do good habits such as regularly brushing teeth, using dental floss, and avoiding foods that damage teeth.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focused on students of the USU Architecture Faculty, which may not be representative of students from other faculties or institutions.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the relationship between knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health care among students from other faculties or institutions. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of educational programs involving dental health practitioners in fostering positive awareness and behavior related to oral health among students.

References

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Appendix

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Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health care among students of the USU Architecture Faculty of Engineering. The results showed that 61.3% of students had good knowledge about oral health, while 51.4% showed adequate behavior in caring for their teeth and mouth. By using the Chi-Square test, a significant relationship was found between the knowledge and behavior of the maintenance of dental and oral health (p = 0.001). This study highlights the importance of knowledge in shaping the behavior of dental and oral health care among students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Knowledge and Behavior of Dental and Oral Health Care Among USU Architecture Faculty of Engineering Students

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to explore the relationship between knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health care among students of the USU Architecture Faculty of Engineering.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of knowledge in shaping the behavior of dental and oral health care among students. The findings of this study can be used to inform dental health education and promotion programs among students.

Q: What is the sample size of this study?

A: The sample size of this study is 142 students who were selected using simple random sampling techniques.

Q: What is the methodology used in this study?

A: The methodology used in this study is analytic surveys with cross-sectional designs.

Q: What is the main finding of this study?

A: The main finding of this study is that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health care among students. Students with high knowledge tend to have better behavior in maintaining their oral health.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that dental health education needs to be strengthened in the faculty curriculum and counseling activities. Educational programs involving dental health practitioners can be an effective solution to foster positive awareness and behavior related to oral health among students.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that the sample size is relatively small, and the study only focused on students of the USU Architecture Faculty.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to explore the relationship between knowledge and behavior of dental and oral health care among students from other faculties or institutions. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of educational programs involving dental health practitioners in fostering positive awareness and behavior related to oral health among students.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are that dental health education needs to be strengthened in the faculty curriculum and counseling activities. Educational programs involving dental health practitioners can be an effective solution to foster positive awareness and behavior related to oral health among students.

Q: What is the importance of knowledge in shaping the behavior of dental and oral health care among students?

A: The importance of knowledge in shaping the behavior of dental and oral health care among students is that it is the main driver in encouraging individuals to be more disciplined in maintaining their oral hygiene.

Q: What are the good habits that students with high knowledge tend to do?

A: Students with high knowledge tend to do good habits such as regularly brushing teeth, using dental floss, and avoiding foods that damage teeth.

Q: What is the role of dental health education in promoting good oral health among students?

A: Dental health education plays a crucial role in promoting good oral health among students. It helps students to understand the importance of maintaining good oral health and to develop good habits that can prevent oral health problems.

Q: What are the benefits of involving dental health practitioners in educational programs?

A: The benefits of involving dental health practitioners in educational programs are that they can provide students with practical knowledge and skills in maintaining good oral health. They can also provide students with positive role models and mentors who can inspire them to develop good habits in maintaining their oral health.