Description of the Level of Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Health of the USU FKG Student Periodontal Network

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 53 views

Description of the Level of Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Health of the USU FKG Student Periodontal Network

Introduction

Understanding the Importance of Periodontal Health

Periodontal health is a crucial aspect of oral health, which in turn is closely linked to overall health. The knowledge of oral health plays a significant role in shaping good attitudes and behaviors in dental healthcare. As prospective dentists, students of the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) of the University of North Sumatra (USU) have a vital responsibility to educate and promote dental and oral health to the public. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes of USU FKG students regarding periodontal health.

Methodology

Research Design and Sample Selection

This research is an analytical descriptive study with a cross-sectional design conducted at the USU Faculty of Dentistry. The sample used in this study was 106 students who had attended lectures regarding periodontia, with the selection of samples carried out through purposive sampling. Participants' criteria include students who have completed the periodontia lecture and are willing to become respondents. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire, which was then analyzed using SPSS with a descriptive test approach.

Results

Level of Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Periodontal Health

The results showed that the majority of USU FKG students had a level of knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health classified in the medium category, which was 60.2%. Meanwhile, the proportion of students who are in the good category only reached 26.7%, and which is quite bad at 13.1%. This finding confirms the importance of increasing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding periodontal health.

Discussion

Implications of the Findings

Overall, this result shows that although many students have adequate knowledge, there is still space to increase their understanding and attitude towards periodontal health. As a prospective dentist, students need to understand that good dental health not only contributes to the quality of individual life, but also becomes an integral part of public health.

Strategies for Increasing Knowledge and Awareness

Increased knowledge and awareness about periodontal health can be done through various ways, including further education programs, seminars, or oral health campaigns among students. In addition, integrating practice-based learning in the faculty dental clinic can help strengthen the positive attitudes and skills of students in periodontal care.

Conclusion

Importance of Dental Education Institutions

Thus, it is important for dental education institutions to continue to facilitate the development of students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health, to support their efforts to become competent dentists and care for public health. Further research is also needed to explore the factors that influence students' knowledge and attitudes, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program applied.

Recommendations

Future Directions for Research and Education

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

Further research is needed to explore the factors that influence students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health.
Dental education institutions should continue to facilitate the development of students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health.
Practice-based learning in the faculty dental clinic should be integrated to strengthen the positive attitudes and skills of students in periodontal care.
Oral health campaigns and further education programs should be conducted to increase students' knowledge and awareness about periodontal health.

Limitations of the Study

Potential Limitations

This study has several potential limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study only focused on USU FKG students, which may not be representative of dental students in general.
The study only measured knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health, which may not be a comprehensive measure of dental education.

Future Research Directions

Potential Future Research Directions

Based on the findings of this study, the following potential future research directions are suggested:

Exploring the factors that influence students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the educational program applied in dental education institutions.
Conducting a longitudinal study to track the development of students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health over time.
Conducting a comparative study to compare the knowledge and attitudes of dental students in different countries or regions.
Q&A: Understanding the Level of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Periodontal Health Among USU FKG Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the importance of periodontal health?

A: Periodontal health is a crucial aspect of oral health, which in turn is closely linked to overall health. Good periodontal health can prevent various oral health problems, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and bad breath.

Q: What is the level of knowledge and attitude towards periodontal health among USU FKG students?

A: The results of this study showed that the majority of USU FKG students had a level of knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health classified in the medium category, which was 60.2%. Meanwhile, the proportion of students who are in the good category only reached 26.7%, and which is quite bad at 13.1%.

Q: What are the implications of the findings?

A: The findings of this study suggest that although many students have adequate knowledge, there is still space to increase their understanding and attitude towards periodontal health. As a prospective dentist, students need to understand that good dental health not only contributes to the quality of individual life, but also becomes an integral part of public health.

Q: What strategies can be used to increase knowledge and awareness about periodontal health?

A: Increased knowledge and awareness about periodontal health can be done through various ways, including further education programs, seminars, or oral health campaigns among students. In addition, integrating practice-based learning in the faculty dental clinic can help strengthen the positive attitudes and skills of students in periodontal care.

Q: What is the role of dental education institutions in promoting periodontal health?

A: Dental education institutions have a vital role in promoting periodontal health by continuing to facilitate the development of students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health. This can be achieved through various ways, such as providing further education programs, seminars, or oral health campaigns among students.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several potential limitations, including the relatively small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the study only focused on USU FKG students, which may not be representative of dental students in general.

Q: What are the potential future research directions?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following potential future research directions are suggested:

Exploring the factors that influence students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the educational program applied in dental education institutions.
Conducting a longitudinal study to track the development of students' knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health over time.
Conducting a comparative study to compare the knowledge and attitudes of dental students in different countries or regions.

Conclusion

Understanding the Level of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Periodontal Health

This Q&A article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the level of knowledge and attitude towards periodontal health among USU FKG students. The findings of this study suggest that although many students have adequate knowledge, there is still space to increase their understanding and attitude towards periodontal health. By understanding the importance of periodontal health and the strategies that can be used to increase knowledge and awareness, dental education institutions can play a vital role in promoting periodontal health among students.