DEBUNKING THE MYTHS ABOUT SCALING: A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

*Dr. Dhanashree More Patil, Dr. Mona U. Shah, Dr. Vidhi Kevadia, Dr. Vishnu Maske

ABSTRACT

Aim: To provide effective oral health care to patients and healthy individuals, it is critical to recognize prevalent
myths. Most myths cause patients to follow the wrong protocol in dentistry, which can make treatment difficult for
the dentist. This study aims to assess to assess the prevalence and to debunk the myths regarding dental scaling.
Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 200 out patients visiting
the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay dental institute, Solapur during the month of February 2021. The participants
without a cognitive, hearing, or vision impairment and with limited or no difficulty with interpreting the
questionnaire were included in the study. A self designed pretested questionnaire containing 10 questions on myths
regarding oral health and hygiene was distributed among the study participants. Demographic details of the
subjects were also recorded. Results were statistically analyzed using Chi- square test. Results: On average with
pre survey 48.9%of patients believed in various myths related to dental scaling, which feared them to undergo
scaling treatment. Post survey 37.6% patients myths were cleared and debunked. There was a statistically
significant difference seen for the frequencies between time intervals. Conclusion: Various myths regarding dental
scaling still lurk in the minds of general population. But the efforts of dental professionals to create awareness have
been effective in eradicating the false traditional beliefs and there is a need to put coordinated efforts by public
health specialists, dental practitioners which will effectively help in making an impact on dental health education
and help the people learn and know the reality and take necessary steps to rectify them.

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