Level of periodontal health knowledge among High School students in the East of Saudi Arabia

The level of periodontal knowledge of 581 high school students (aged 15 - 18y) in the Dhahran area in Saudi Arabia were assessed. A 13-item questionnaire was distributed among male and female students in both government and private schools. Students were asked to complete all items under supervision in the classroom. Chi square was used to test the association between the responses to correct answers and type of school, sex and level of education. Results showed that 62.7% respondents can define plaque as the cause of periodontal disease. Correct information concerning the signs, causes, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease varied widely. Older students were more knowledgeable about causes and signs of periodontal disease than younger students. A higher level of knowledge was found among students in governmental schools than in private schools. It can be concluded from this study that an average level of knowledge regarding periodontal disease was found in this target group and consequently, the role of dental professionals and public health workers should be concentrated on more dental school programs to educate this target group