Pre-doctoral dental students' knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes regarding obesity and treatments: A survey study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess first-year predoctoral dental students' knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes on obesity and to compare knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes before and after attending an educational presentation. METHODS: A presentation explaining the impact of obesity and its treatments on oral health was developed and presented to first-year predoctoral dental students (D1's) in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Before ("pre") and after ("post") the presentation, attending students were given the opportunity to take an anonymous and voluntary survey. Questions on the survey covered topics on knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes about obesity. RESULTS: Thirty-four of the 213 students in the course (response rate = 16.0%) attended the presentation and completed both the pre- and post-surveys. Most participating students reported receiving 0-5 h of education on obesity since starting their dental education. Regarding pre-survey answers to knowledge-based items, the percentage of students answering, "strongly agree" (representing the greatest knowledge level) ranged from 5.9% to 61.8% across items. Significant improvements from pre- to post-survey were observed for all knowledge-based items except a statement that obesity is associated with serious medical conditions. Significant improvements were also found for perception-based items asking about accommodations for patients and the importance of assessing dietary habits. Additionally, at post-survey, students reported significantly less discomfort asking about dietary habits and weight loss medications. CONCLUSION: Dental curricula policy makers and developers should consider the incorporation of obesity and its treatments, with nutrition experts teaching the content.