Oral and dental health perceptions of differentgenerations, their attitudes, their level of importance tohealth and related factors

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of individuals of different age groups towards their oral and dental health, as well as the level of importance they attach to their health. Materials and Methods: This research is a cross-sectional-descriptive type research. It was held at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Dentistry Oral and Dental Health Hospital in Aydın Province between February 2023 and April 2023. The number of samples was calculated by performing power analysis and the research was conducted with a total of 339 individuals. Data of the research; It was collected using the 'Individual Introduction Form', 'Survey Questions', 'Multidimensional Oral and Dental Health Locus of Control Scale' and 'Importance of Health Scale'. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni multiple comparison test were used in data analysis. The relationship between numerical variables was examined with Pearson correlation analysis, and the relationship between categorical variables was examined with the Chi square test. Results : Individuals' perceptions of their oral health and the level of importance they attach to their health vary according to generations (p<0.05). Chance dimension scale scores show a statistically significant difference according to generations (p<0.05). The dentist-focused subscale scores show a statistically significant difference according to generations (p<0.05). One of the sub-dimensions of the multidimensional oral and dental health locus of control scale; Internal control and Socialization focused scale scores do not show a statistically significant difference according to generations (p>0.05). There is no difference between the level of importance individuals from different generations attach to health (p>0.05). There is no statistically significant relationship between the oral and dental health perceptions and attitudes of different generations and the level of importance they attach to health for people in Generation X and Y (p>0.05). However, for individuals in Generation Z; For individuals in the Alpha generation with information-focused subscale scores (r:0.01; p<0.05); A statistically significant positive relationship was detected between the practice-oriented subscale scores and the Importance of Health Scale scores (r:0.25 ; p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that the perception of oral and dental health varies across generations. There is no difference between generations in terms of the importance of health. In terms of achieving good health, being informed in Generation Z and practice oriented oral and dental health approaches in Generation Alpha provide an important and positive relationship.