Knowledge and perception of specialties of dentistry among undergraduatein the Northeast China.

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases globally. Due to their lifestyle choices and dietary habits, college students often exhibit poor oral health and are at a higher risk of developing oral diseases. Enhancing their understanding of oral health and increasing their awareness of the dental profession can foster better oral health practices and encourage preventive measures against oral diseases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study gathered 560 valid responses from undergraduate students divided into three groups: stomatology students, non-dental medical students, and non-medical students. A specifically designed questionnaire assessed the participants' knowledge and attitudes towards dental specialties. Statistical analyses, including Welch's Test and Levene's Test, were performed using SPSS Version 26.0 to examine differences based on gender and undergraduate major. RESULTS: Analysis of the 560 valid questionnaires revealed that female participants had significantly higher knowledge scores than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). Conversely, males demonstrated more favorable attitudes towards dental specialties (p < 0.05). Stomatology students scored higher than students from both other medical and non-medical major in knowledge and attitude assessments (p < 0.05), reflecting a more profound understanding and identification with their field. These results underscore the significant impact of gender and academic background on students' perceptions of dental specialties. CONCLUSIONS: A concerning number of medical and non-medical students, including some dental students, exhibit limited awareness of oral health issues and the various dental specialties. It is imperative to implement educational reforms targeting medical students to enhance their understanding of dental specialties. This improvement will enable them to accurately identify oral diseases and make appropriate referrals, ultimately reducing patient suffering in their future medical practice.