PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARD DENTAL CARE AMONG SAUDIS ADULTS IN AL-DAMMAM CITY, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: The prevalence and incidence of dental problems has significantly decreased in most of the developed countries because of significant increase in the level of awareness toward oral health among general population. However, caries incidence and prevalence have increased in the Middle East countries because of the lack of level of awareness, thus we need to increase the level of awareness. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards oral health hygiene and early dental treatment among general community in Al-Dammam city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross- sectional descriptive study was carried out based on questionnaires which randomly distributed among 400 adults participants in Al-Dammam city. The questionnaire included socio-demographic information [gender, age and education] and the patient’s level of awareness of oral health hygiene and early dental treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: 400 adult participants have filled the surveys and most of them were males [58%] and females were 42%. The majority of participants were young whom aged 20-30 years old and most of participants have bachelor degree or above [53%]. Participants who had dental caries were 60.5%, and all the participants knew that poor oral hygiene can cause caries. Fortunately, more than 70% of participants believed that caries is preventable and topical fluoride, flossing and fissure sealants prevent caries [65%, 31% and 25%] respectively. Regarding the participants’ attitude and practice, the results showed negative attitude and practice toward visiting dental clinics and using floss to clean their teeth [13.25% and 3.5%] respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that the majority of adults in Al-Dammam city had acceptable knowledge regarding preventive measurements of dental caries but have bad attitude and practice thus, we need to increase and improve the level of awareness. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Awareness, Practice, Dental treatment, Oral hygiene, Saudi Arabia