Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Candidiasis among Dental Students

Objective: To assess the knowledge and awareness amongst the dental students on oral candidiasis.

Method: This online based survey study was conducted among 100 students of Saveetha dental college. The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions which were based on knowledge, awareness and practices regarding oral candidiasis among the dental students in Saveetha Dental College. Results were analyzed and tabulated.

Results: Most of the students were aware of oral candidiasis. The knowledge on oral candidiasis caused by fungus (83%) is adequate. There was good adequate knowledge on risk factors (72%), chair side diagnostic aid (92%) and treatment (51%) of oral candidiasis.

Conclusions: Due to limited knowledge on oral candidiasis, the dental curriculum should include opportunities for structure interaction between students and patients with candidiasis both in classrooms and in clinical setting through objective structure clinical exam.