Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Between Dental and Non-Dental Students at Newgiza University

Authors

Fayrouz Sayed Saber, Lecturer of Dental Public Health and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Newgiza UniversityFollow
Mohamed Sabry, School of Dentistry, Newgiza University
Alaa Nawar, Associate Professor of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Newgiza University, Giza, Egypt
Mayar El Weik, School of Dentistry, Newgiza University

ORCID

0000-0003-1446-9283

Abstract

Introduction: Evaluating oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Egyptian dental students can broaden the traditional focus on dental criteria to include social, emotional, and functional aspects. This perspective shift is vital as background knowledge influences both perceptions and behaviors regarding oral health. Comparing OHRQoL between dental and non-dental students is crucial for understanding these differences.

Aim: This study aims to compare the oral health related quality of life and oral hygiene measures between a group of dental and non-dental students at Newgiza University.

Methods: During the Oral Health Day at Newgiza University, the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire (OHIP-14) was used to evaluate Oral Health Quality of Life in a group dental students and non-dental students. Oral hygiene measures and number of dental visits were also evaluated across the perceived quality of life Numerical data was represented as mean and standard deviation (SD) values and were analyzed for normality using Shapiro-Wilk’s test. OHIP score data were non-parametric and were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn’s post hoc test with Bonferroni correction. The significance level was set at p

Results: Non-dental students had significantly higher scores regarding “Functional limitation” and “Physical pain” (p0.05). There was a significant difference between dental and non-dental students regarding frequency of tooth brushing with significantly higher percentage of dental students brushing twice daily and a significantly higher percentage of non-dental students brushing once daily.

Conclusion: Background knowledge influences both oral hygiene behaviors and perceptions of OHRQoL, highlighting the impact of dental education on oral health practices and quality of life.

Recommended Citation

Saber FS, Sabry M, Nawar A, El Weik M. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Between Dental and Non-Dental Students at Newgiza University. Future Dental Journal. 2025; 10(2):130-146.