Nivel de Conocimiento sobre enfermedad periodontal en estudiantes de la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Azogues, 2024.

Abstract

Periodontal disease involves a chronic, progressively destructive state of the supporting tissues of the teeth, often caused by predisposing factors, with poor hygiene being the most common. The knowledge acquired by students during their undergraduate studies for managing this condition is crucial for their performance in dental practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge about periodontal disease among Dentistry students at the Catholic University of Cuenca, Azogues Campus, during the academic period March – August 2024. MATERIALS and METHODS: Data was collected through a previously validated survey by Díaz O (2023) directed at students from this university campus. The sample comprised 241 students from the fifth to the tenth cycle. RESULTS: A total of 235 individuals participated in the study. Periodontal knowledge was categorized as good by 48.5% of the participants and averaged by 36.17% of the participants. The sociodemographic variables studied, including gender, origin, academic cycle, and level of periodontal knowledge, showed no relative significance. Although most respondents were female, this had no significant impact on the level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The research reveals that the students' knowledge level is generally good, highlighting the need to promote continuous education in diagnosis and prevention and develop appropriate strategies to improve the evaluated course.

Keywords: periodontal disease, perception, knowledge, prevention, oral health.