Universität zu Köln

Meyer‐Hofmann, Alicia Maria ORCID: 0000-0002-3296-7553, Barbe, Anna Greta ORCID: 0000-0003-0169-2582, von Kohout, Max ORCID: 0009-0006-7390-1557, Aarabi, Ghazal ORCID: 0000-0001-5484-2594, Deeg, Isabel ORCID: 0000-0003-0306-5873, Wicht, Michael Jochen ORCID: 0000-0003-4693-7184 and Derman, Sonja Henny Maria ORCID: 0000-0003-2239-6010 (2026). Assessment of Oral Health Literacy and Influencing Factors: Retrospective Analysis of Patients Treated by Dental Students. European Journal of Dental Education, 30 (2). pp. 327-338. Wiley. ISSN 1396-5883

PDF Eur J Dental Education - 2025 - Meyer‐Hofmann - Assessment of Oral Health Literacy and Influencing Factors Retrospective.pdf Bereitstellung unter der CC-Lizenz: Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health literacy (OHL) plays a crucial role in determining oral health outcomes, particularly in preventing and managing oral health issues. It is primarily developed through communication between dentists and patients—a key focus in dental education. To enhance this training, understanding OHL in student teaching is essential. This study aimed to assess OHL among patients undergoing treatment performed by dental students and identify influencing factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis evaluated the Oral Health Literacy Profile (OHLP) of patients (≥ 18 years) treated by dental students in their fourth and fifth year. The OHLP measures oral health behaviour (OHB) and oral health knowl- edge (OHK) (scored 0–100). Patients were grouped by age and periodontal therapy status. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and linear regression modelling. Results: A total of 222 questionnaires (106 females; mean age 56.8 ± 16.4 years) were analysed. The mean OHLP was 54.4 ± 16.1. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in OHB and OHK were observed between age groups: the lowest OHB was in younger adults (47.9 ± 18.9), while the highest OHB (63.4 ± 22.9) and lowest OHK (29.1 ± 22.9) were in older seniors; OHB scores were higher in periodontal patients. The regression model identified age, female gender, periodontal therapy, and OHK as significant predictors of OHB (R2 = 0.25, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Significant gaps in OHL were revealed, particularly among males, younger adults, older seniors, and those not un- dergoing regular periodontal therapy. Students should receive specialised training to recognise these varying levels of oral health knowledge, behaviour, and influencing factors, enabling them to effectively address these issues during counselling.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Meyer‐Hofmann, Alicia Maria UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3296-7553 UNSPECIFIED Barbe, Anna Greta UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0169-2582 UNSPECIFIED von Kohout, Max UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7390-1557 UNSPECIFIED Aarabi, Ghazal UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5484-2594 UNSPECIFIED Deeg, Isabel UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0306-5873 UNSPECIFIED Wicht, Michael Jochen UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-7184 UNSPECIFIED Derman, Sonja Henny Maria UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2239-6010 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-803135
Identification Number:	10.1111/eje.13122
Journal or Publication Title:	European Journal of Dental Education
Volume:	30
Number:	2
Page Range:	pp. 327-338
Number of Pages:	12
Date:	21 May 2026
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1396-5883
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Medizinische Statistik und Bioinformatik > Institut für Medizinische Statistik und Bioinformatik � IMSB Faculty of Medicine > Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde > Poliklinik für Zahnerhaltung und Parodontologie
Subjects:	Medical sciences Medicine
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language communication skills ; dental education ; oral health behaviour ; oral health literacy ; periodontal therapy English
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/80313