Evaluation of the relationship between health literacy and treatment needs of patients applied to Uşak University Faculty of Dentistry

Oral and dental health and general health are inseparable. The level of health literacy of individuals affects general health as well as oral and dental health. Poor oral health causes an increase in the number of treatments that need to be done, thus increasing the burden on the health system. The application of preventive treatments prevents the need for advanced treatments and reduces the expenditures in the field of health. The number of studies examining the relationship between the number of caries and the level of health literacy is not sufficient in the literature. Although dental caries does not affect general health on its own, it can cause psychological problems due to root canal treatment, periodontal problems and tooth extraction, jaw joint problems, digestive difficulties and deterioration in aesthetic appearance. In order to reduce the prevalence of caries, it is necessary to raise awareness of individuals about the protection of health. However, the prevalence of caries among societies may not always be related to the level of health literacy due to cultural differences and different dietary habits.