Cross sectional survey to assess the self perception of oral health status reported by IGNOU students versus clinical diagnosis

Introduction: Oral health is considered as a gateway /reflection to general health and thus it is of pivotal importance for everyone. With the advent of the 21st century, oral health awareness and prevention of oral diseases has become the agenda nationally and internationally. Despite, various awareness campaigns via mode of audio aids, audio-visual aids, and street play etc. oral health diseases are on a constant increase. Materials and Method:Descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out on 259 IGNOU students to assess: Self-perceived dental & periodontal status versus clinically diagnosed dental and periodontal health. Assessment of questionnaire using large value population survey. Establish a relationship between dental health status and understanding the public perception of oral health. Results: Total 259 patients 16 males and 4 females) 136 males and 123 females with the mean age of 19±2.3 years participated in the survey. The overall consensus of the patients were that 52% (134) of the participants perceived that they have a bad dental health status compared to 50.5% (131) who were clinically found to have bad dental health status, (p < 0> Conclusion:Self-assessment questionnaires were of moderate value in evaluating oral health status each within the individual and public levels, although perception levels of health were beyond that of disease and illness. Literature also reflects that occasional level of awareness of the general public will influence care-seeking behaviour and will signify the importance of oral health promotion and is also crucial for public health actions.