Analysis of knowledge and attitudes related to oral and dental health in terms of social factors

Studies which focus on improving public health and eliminating the inequalities in health can reach their aim on the condition that the social factors lying behind health problems are understood. Beyond having healthy teeth, oral health is an indicator of individual and social health and quality of life. Therefore, social determinants of oral health should be known and awareness towards this should be raised in order to achieve the goal of a healthy society. The aim of this study is to understand the attitudes and behaviors of patients applying to public and private oral and dental institutions and their social determinants. During in-depth interviews conducted with 20 participants with qualitative research method, the participants' perception of health and disease, the relationship between lifestyle and oral health, ways of acquiring health knowledge, and their experiences and preferences of dental treatment and dental care institutions. According to the data obtained in the study, the trust factor stands out in the preferences of the institutions regarding dental treatment. The element of trust is related to the economic concerns as well as the quality of the treatment and affects individuals' institution choices. In this study, it has been observed that the determinants of oral health are similar to the social determinants of general health; however, the early life period in which oral care habits are acquired under the guidance of family and school, has been detected to be more important for oral health than the social determinants of general health. Internet is the most important source of information of oral health for adults. In addition to obtaining information, the impact of the internet and mass media on the increasing demand of aesthetic practices in the society and on the manipulation of consumption habits is undeniable. Therefore, it would be useful to examine the internet and mass media as a special topic within the social determinants of health.