KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTHCARE STUDENTS TOWARDS OVER-THE-COUNTER ORAL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS AND DENTAL PRACTICES

INTRODUCTION: The use and abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) products have been well-documented in multiple studies across the globe. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of healthcare students (medical and para-medical students) of a private institution in India on OTC oral healthcare products and dental practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A validated questionnaire comprising twenty questions in English was drafted. The questionnaire was divided into three sections. First section consisted of demographical data, and second and third sections involved questions regarding knowledge (9 questions) and attitude (11 questions) of participants about OTC oral healthcare products and their ingredients. RESULTS: The current research included 1,024 participants. There were 376 male and 648 female participants. The participants selected their oral care products depending on various factors. A mixed response was found in certain aspects. CONCLUSIONS: Overall knowledge and attitude of the study population regarding OTC healthcare products proved to be satisfactory. Additionally, even though the sample size was significant, it was limited to certain geographic boundaries.