AIM: This study aims to investigate the factors influencing individual perceptions of oral health and dental care and how these perceptions impact oral hygiene behaviours.

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the factors that affect attitude towards oral health and dental care.

To analyze the effect of attitude on utilization of oral care services.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

This study investigates the key factors that influence individual perceptions of oral health and dental care, focusing on knowledge, awareness, attitudes, behavioral practices, perceived barriers, and utilisation. It examines how these perceptions shape oral hygiene behaviors, including the frequency and quality of dental care utilization, across diverse demographic groups. The study further explores disparities in knowledge and access to dental care, aiming to identify gaps and propose strategies to enhance public awareness, improve attitudes, and promote equitable access to oral health services. The insights gained will be valuable for healthcare providers, policymakers, and educators in designing targeted interventions to improve oral health outcomes. The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a four-months period, from October 2024 to January 2025.

Sampling method: The study population consists of individuals aged 18 years and above, who are residents of  India, and can understand the language English. Sample selection will be made using non-random, convenience sampling.

Sample Size Calculation

The required sample size for this study was calculated using the following formula:

Formula, n = Z2P (1-P)/ d2

 n= 1.96*1.96*0.5*0.5/0.05*0.05

Substituting values in the formula, n=384.16,

The round off will make number of participants to be 385 for a 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error.

Considering a 10% non-response rate, the adjusted number of participants needed would be 424.

The calculated sample size is approximately 384.16, which was rounded up to 385 participants to maintain precision. Accounting for a 10% non-response rate, the final adjusted sample size was determined to be 424 participants.

Inclusion Criteria: The study included individuals aged 18 years and above, Adults who are mentally sound and capable of comprehending the survey questions and Participants with the ability to understand and respond to the survey in the English language.        

Exclusion Criteria: The study excluded individuals unwilling to participate in the survey, Illiterate individuals and Individuals under the age of 18.

Justification for study: Maintaining a healthy smile is only one aspect of oral health; other systemic health concerns such as diabetes, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular disease are closely linked to oral health. In spite of this, a lot of people do not prioritize or fully understand their oral health, which can result in avoidable health problems that can be controlled with routine dental care and early intervention. This study can lower the incidence of associated systemic disorders and advance knowledge of public health by examining how people view oral health. Only 2% of Indians visit their dentist regularly,60% of Indians never visit a dentist in their life. 24% of consumers suffered from toothache in the past year, but only 35% sought treatment from a dentist.¹The need to address discrepancies in dental care utilization and attitudes is a significant additional motivation for this research. Diverse demographic groups frequently have different views regarding and degrees of access to dental care depending on their location, social status, or cultural background are also different. Through an analysis of these discrepancies, the research can pinpoint the root causes and provide focused tactics to enhance dental care accessibility and education in marginalized areas.

Tool Used: The study will use a structured questionnaire in the form of a Google Form for data collection. The questionnaire will be developed based on various models available in the existing literature. 

Administration of the Tool: Participants will be selected using contacts from personal and professional networks based on their availability and willingness to take part. Informed consent from the individuals participating in the study will be obtained by providing them with all necessary information, including the study’s purpose and procedures. The questionnaire will be administered in the form of a Google Form to individuals who agree to participate in the study, assessing their perceptions of oral health and dental care. The form will be distributed via direct messages and emails to primary and secondary contacts. The collected data will then be analyzed.

Statistical Analysis: The study will use statistical methods such as descriptive statistics to analyze the demographic details of the respondents. Smart PLS 3.0 and the structural equation modeling (SEM) method will be used to examine the factors affecting attitudes toward oral health and dental care, as well as to analyze the effect of attitude on the utilization of oral care services.