Investigating the Level of Awareness Among the General Population About Various Dental Specialties in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background The basic knowledge people have about different specialties of dental medicine falls short of what is necessary to achieve complete well-being. The public's insufficient knowledge and misconceptions about specific dental specializations often prevent individuals from seeking appropriate professional treatment. This research evaluated components of dental care awareness among residents of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, through a population-based survey that explored the relationships between awareness levels and factors such as educational qualification, gender, residential setting, and dental care history. Materials and methods Researchers conducted a survey involving 300 participants residing in various areas of Ghaziabad, including rural, suburban, and urban regions. A pre-validated structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographics, dental treatment history, and recognition of eight dental specialties. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23 to examine the relationships between independent variables and awareness levels using Chi-square tests. Results The survey participants were predominantly literate, with 160 (52.8%) identifying as male. Teenagers studying in Ghaziabad demonstrated better recognition of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics (144; 47.5%), Orthodontics (128; 42.2%), and Oral Surgery (105; 34.3%) compared to other specialties like Public Health Dentistry (77; 25.4%) and Periodontology (88; 29.0%). Gender (p = 0.002), education level (p < 0.001), and number of dental visits (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with awareness levels, whereas type of residence (p = 0.476) showed no significant relationship. Treatment from MDS specialists was received by 145 (48.5%) participants, while general dentists treated 117 (38.9%) of the sample. Previous dental visits were reported by 188 (62.7%) of respondents, most of whom preferred private clinics for their treatment. Conclusion Despite relatively high literacy levels, the population of Ghaziabad demonstrates poor awareness of dental specialties. Individuals with higher educational attainment and frequent dental visits exhibited better understanding of specialized dental services. There is a pressing need for targeted educational programs and public health initiatives to improve awareness of dental specialties and enhance access to appropriate dental care.

Keywords: awareness; community survey; dental specialties; education level; ghaziabad; oral health; public health dentistry.