Comparative evaluation of dental and periodontal health status and oral health-related quality of life among Dentistry and Medical Students

Comparative Evaluation of Dental and Periodontal Health Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Dentistry and Medical Students Aim: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the dental and periodontal health status of Dentistry and Medical Faculty students and to assess their oral health-related quality of life using the Oral Health Impact Profile–14 (OHIP-14) scale. Materials and Methods: The study included systemically healthy volunteers from the Dentistry and Medical Faculties of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. Demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, dental anxiety levels, and oral health behaviors were recorded using a structured form. Clinical dental and periodontal parameters were assessed, and oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the OHIP-14 scale. Results: Factors influencing dental and periodontal health were analyzed in relation to faculty type. Although dentistry students had higher theoretical knowledge regarding oral health, practical oral hygiene behaviors were sometimes insufficient due to intensive academic and clinical workload. In contrast, despite possessing broad general health knowledge, medical students demonstrated lower oral hygiene awareness and poorer periodontal scores. OHIP-14 scores were significantly associated with clinical periodontal parameters, indicating that increased gingival inflammation corresponded to greater impairment in quality of life. Significant differences in OHIP-14 total and subscale scores were found between the two faculties, with dentistry students exhibiting more favorable oral health-related quality of life compared to medical students. Conclusion: Periodontal health status and oral health-related quality of life differ according to faculty type among university students. Oral health awareness varies depending on both theoretical background and daily oral hygiene practices. These findings highlight the need to strengthen oral health education and integrate multidisciplinary approaches within health sciences curricula. Keywords: OHIP-14, oral health, periodontal health.